Gibbsite: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Short description|An article about the mineral Gibbsite}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
== | ==Gibbsite== | ||
Gibbsite | [[File:Gibbsite.jpg|thumb|right|Gibbsite sample]] | ||
'''Gibbsite''' is a mineral form of aluminum hydroxide, with the chemical formula Al(OH)_. It is an important ore of aluminum and is one of the main components of [[bauxite]], the principal ore of aluminum. Gibbsite is named after the American mineralogist [[George Gibbs (mineralogist)|George Gibbs]]. | |||
== | ==Properties== | ||
Gibbsite is | Gibbsite is a white, gray, or colorless mineral that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It typically forms as tabular crystals, but can also occur in massive, stalactitic, or earthy forms. The mineral has a pearly luster and a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3.5, making it relatively soft. Gibbsite has a specific gravity of approximately 2.3 to 2.4. | ||
== | ==Formation and Occurrence== | ||
Gibbsite | [[File:Gibbsite-structure.png|thumb|left|Structure of Gibbsite]] | ||
Gibbsite commonly forms in tropical and subtropical climates as a result of the weathering of [[aluminosilicate]] minerals. It is often found in lateritic soils and is a major component of bauxite deposits. Gibbsite can also form as a secondary mineral in hydrothermal environments. | |||
== | ==Uses== | ||
Gibbsite is primarily used as an ore of aluminum. The extraction of aluminum from gibbsite involves the [[Bayer process]], where the mineral is dissolved in sodium hydroxide to separate the aluminum hydroxide from impurities. The aluminum hydroxide is then calcined to produce [[alumina]], which is subsequently reduced to aluminum metal through the [[Hall–Héroult process]]. | |||
== | ==Related Minerals== | ||
Gibbsite is part of the [[aluminum hydroxide]] group, which includes other polymorphs such as [[boehmite]] and [[diaspore]]. These minerals are also important constituents of bauxite and are used in the production of aluminum. | |||
[[ | ==See also== | ||
[[ | * [[Bauxite]] | ||
[[ | * [[Aluminum]] | ||
* [[Bayer process]] | |||
* [[Hall–Héroult process]] | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Alumina]] | |||
* [[Laterite]] | |||
* [[Hydrothermal mineral deposit]] | |||
[[Category:Aluminium minerals]] | |||
[[Category:Hydroxide minerals]] | |||
[[Category:Monoclinic minerals]] | |||
Revision as of 17:33, 18 February 2025
An article about the mineral Gibbsite
Gibbsite
Gibbsite is a mineral form of aluminum hydroxide, with the chemical formula Al(OH)_. It is an important ore of aluminum and is one of the main components of bauxite, the principal ore of aluminum. Gibbsite is named after the American mineralogist George Gibbs.
Properties
Gibbsite is a white, gray, or colorless mineral that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It typically forms as tabular crystals, but can also occur in massive, stalactitic, or earthy forms. The mineral has a pearly luster and a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3.5, making it relatively soft. Gibbsite has a specific gravity of approximately 2.3 to 2.4.
Formation and Occurrence
Gibbsite commonly forms in tropical and subtropical climates as a result of the weathering of aluminosilicate minerals. It is often found in lateritic soils and is a major component of bauxite deposits. Gibbsite can also form as a secondary mineral in hydrothermal environments.
Uses
Gibbsite is primarily used as an ore of aluminum. The extraction of aluminum from gibbsite involves the Bayer process, where the mineral is dissolved in sodium hydroxide to separate the aluminum hydroxide from impurities. The aluminum hydroxide is then calcined to produce alumina, which is subsequently reduced to aluminum metal through the Hall–Héroult process.
Related Minerals
Gibbsite is part of the aluminum hydroxide group, which includes other polymorphs such as boehmite and diaspore. These minerals are also important constituents of bauxite and are used in the production of aluminum.
