Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monocliniccommonhydroxides
Gibbsite
Al(OH)3
This image displays a botryoidal aggregate of white to light grey gibbsite, forming rounded, grape-like masses with a somewhat waxy or dull luster.
Gibbsite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect on {001}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
2.35Colors
white, grey, greenish-white, reddish-whiteTransparency
transparentType Locality
Xianghualing Mine, Linwu County, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, ChinaMineral Group
hydroxidesUses
aluminum ore, flame retardant, smoke suppressantAssociated Minerals
boehmite, diaspore, kaolinite, goethite, hematite, quartzRarity
commonGeological Context
Gibbsite is a common secondary mineral formed by the weathering of aluminum-bearing minerals in tropical and subtropical climates, often found in lateritic soils and bauxite deposits. It can also form in hydrothermal environments.
