Gibbsite: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
|||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
Gibbsite is an important ore of aluminium, and it is processed to produce alumina (Al₂O₃) through the [[Bayer process]]. Alumina is then used to produce aluminium metal via the [[Hall–Héroult process]]. Gibbsite is also used in the production of various aluminium compounds and as a filler in plastics and other materials. | Gibbsite is an important ore of aluminium, and it is processed to produce alumina (Al₂O₃) through the [[Bayer process]]. Alumina is then used to produce aluminium metal via the [[Hall–Héroult process]]. Gibbsite is also used in the production of various aluminium compounds and as a filler in plastics and other materials. | ||
==Related pages== | ==Related pages== | ||
Latest revision as of 21:11, 21 February 2025
Aluminium hydroxide mineral
Gibbsite is a mineral form of aluminium hydroxide, with the chemical formula Al(OH)₃. It is an important ore of aluminium and is one of the three main phases of the aluminium hydroxide minerals, the others being boehmite and diaspore.
Structure[edit]
Gibbsite has a layered structure, with sheets of octahedrally coordinated aluminium ions bonded to hydroxide ions. The layers are held together by hydrogen bonds, which gives gibbsite its characteristic platy habit. The structure is similar to that of the brucite mineral, Mg(OH)₂, but with aluminium replacing magnesium.
Occurrence[edit]
Gibbsite is commonly found in bauxite deposits, which are the primary source of aluminium. It forms in tropical and subtropical climates through the weathering of aluminium-rich rocks. Gibbsite can also occur as a secondary mineral in hydrothermal veins and as a precipitate in some sedimentary environments.
Properties[edit]
Gibbsite is typically white, but it can also be colorless, gray, or tinted by impurities. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a perfect basal cleavage. The mineral is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3.5, and has a specific gravity of about 2.3 to 2.4.
Uses[edit]
Gibbsite is an important ore of aluminium, and it is processed to produce alumina (Al₂O₃) through the Bayer process. Alumina is then used to produce aluminium metal via the Hall–Héroult process. Gibbsite is also used in the production of various aluminium compounds and as a filler in plastics and other materials.
