Gibbsite is a mineral composed of aluminum hydroxide, with the chemical formula Al(OH)₃. It is a key component of bauxite, the primary ore for extracting aluminum. Gibbsite typically forms in tropical and subtropical environments through the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks. This mineral appears as colorless to white, often with a shiny or pearly luster. Gibbsite is important in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of aluminum metal. Its presence in soil can also indicate the degree of weathering and the mineral composition of the underlying rock.