The Mineral, Bauxite, is a major source of Aluminum, and can contain as much as 35% Alumina (Al2O3). The major sources of US Bauxite are from Texas, Arkansas and Jamacia. The two photos of bauxite ore have confused some readers, spurring them to inquire as to which types of bauxite ores they represent. So, in order to clear up the confusion, the red "mud" at the top, is the tailings of the bauxite process, what remains after the Al2O3 has been removed. The rock at the bottom is the bauxite ore as it came from the pit (ROM), prior to any processing. For further information on Bauxite Ore Processing, click on this text.