Which mineral is primarily mined for aluminum and forms from aluminum-rich rocks?

Bauxite is the primary ore from which aluminum is extracted, making it an essential mineral in the aluminum production industry. It is formed through the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates where there is high rainfall and temperatures. This process, known as laterization, leads to the concentration of aluminum minerals and the leaching of other elements, resulting in the formation of bauxite.

The composition of bauxite typically includes aluminum oxides, such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, along with impurities like iron oxides and silica. This unique formation process and characteristic composition make bauxite the primary source of aluminum, distinguishing it from other minerals like laterites, which can contain various metals but are not specifically targeted for aluminum extraction. Paleosols and pseudomorphs do not directly pertain to aluminum production, further emphasizing why bauxite is recognized as the definitive mineral mined for aluminum.