Write a short note on bauxite, its formation, features and distribution in India.
(1) Type of mineral : Bauxite is a clay-like substance from which alumina and later aluminium is obtained. Aluminium is an important metal because it combines the strength of metals such as iron, with extreme lightness and also with good conductivity and great malle-ability. (2) Formation : Bauxite deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety of rocks rich in aluminium silicates. (3) Distribution : It is found in the Amarkantak plateau, Maikal Hills and the plateau region of Bilaspur-Katni. Orissa is the largest bauxite producing state in India with 45 per cent of the country’s total production in 2000-01. Panchpatmali deposits in Koraput district are the most important bauxite deposits in the state
