Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal Description
Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal is one of the three main mineral forms of aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃). Gibbsite is an important ore of aluminum and is characterized by its layered structure. It appears as white, gray, or colorless crystals and is often found in bauxite, the primary ore of aluminum. It is used in various applications, including the production of aluminum, as a flame retardant in plastics and rubber, in water treatment as a coagulant, and in pharmaceuticals as an antacid.
Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal Specifications
Chemical name
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Aluminum Hydroxide
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Mineral name
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Gibbsite
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Chemical formula
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Al(OH)3
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Melting point (℃)
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300
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Crystal system
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Monoclinic
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Space Group
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P2_1/m
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Unit cell
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a [Å]:8.64, b [Å]:5.07, c [Å]:9.72
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Molecular weight
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78
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Formula units
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Z=8
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Frequent crystal surfaces
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{001}, {101}, {110}
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Twinning
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on {001}, rare on {100}, {110}
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Mohs hardness
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2.5 - 3.5
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Density (g/cm3)
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2.3 - 2.4
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Cleavage
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Perfect on (001)
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Fracture / Tenacity
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Uneven
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Color
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Colorless, white, gray, green, blue
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Luster
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Vitreous, pearly, dull
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Optical character
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Biaxial (+)
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Refractive Index
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nα=1.568-1.570; nβ=1.568-1.570; nΥ=1.586-1.587
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Birefringence δ
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0.018
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Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal Application
- Aluminum Production: Gibbsite is a primary source for the extraction of aluminum.
- Flame Retardants: Used in plastics and rubber due to its fire-resistant properties.
- Water Treatment: Utilized as a coagulant in water purification processes.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid.
Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal Packaging
Our Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal is carefully handled during storage and transportation to preserve the quality of our product in its original condition.
Aluminum Hydroxide Gibbsite Crystal FAQs
Q1: What is Gibbsite?
Gibbsite is a crystalline form of aluminum hydroxide and a major component of bauxite ore.
Q2: Where is Gibbsite found?
It is commonly found in bauxite deposits, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
Q3: How is Gibbsite used in aluminum production?
Gibbsite is processed to extract alumina (Al₂O₃), which is then used to produce aluminum metal.