Bauxite is not a mineral, it is a mixture of the minerals gibbsite (Al2O3 – 3H2O) boehmite (alpha monohydrate, Al2O3 H2O) and Diaspora (beta monohydrate, Al2O3 H2O). It is a unique mineral in the sense that, by and large, this is the only mineral from which aluminum is extracted economically. Beside aluminum its other important uses are in the manufacture of refractories, abrasive and chemicals. Low-grade bauxite finds use in cement industry. Among minor uses mention may be made of its use as a fluxing material in steel melting shop and in forro-alloy industries in place of fluorspar and as absorbent in the refining of kerosene.