Bauxite

 

The primary ore of aluminum, this mineral is known as “solid electricity,” in allusion to the amount of energy it takes to process the ore. This is why aluminum is so highly sought-after for recycling. The mineral is a mixture, and rock, comprised of iron and aluminum hydroxides/oxides. It was named after the locality at Baux, France.

Mineral Photos courtesy of R.Weller/Cochise College