Bauxite: A general term for a reddish-brown, white, tan, and tan-yellow rock composed of hydrated aluminum oxides. It is the main ore of alumina to make aluminum. It is dull to earthy in luster and can look like clay or soil. Bauxite forms when silica in aluminum-bearing rocks is washed away.
Uses
Most bauxite is first processed to make alumina, or aluminum oxide. Another 10% produces alumina which is used in chemical, abrasive, and refractory products. The remaining 5% of bauxite is used to make abrasives, refractory materials, and aluminum compounds.