Occurrence :: A mineral of secondary origin, commonly produced under tropical climatic conditions by the prolonged weathering of aluminum-bearing rocks. Also at times derived from the weathering of clay-bearing limestones. It has apparently originates as a colloidal precipitate. It may occur in place as a direct derivative of the original rock or it m ay have been transported and deposited in a sedimentary formation. In the tropics, deposits, known as laterites, consisting largely of aluminum and ferric oxides are found in t the residual soils. These vary widely in composition and purity but may at time become valuable as sources of aluminum and iron.

Bauxite is not a mineral, but a rock with minerals in it. Bauxite is a sedimentary rock that is an aluminum ore. It is formed in weathered volcanic rocks.