Formation conditions and regularities of the distribution of large and superlarge bauxite deposits

Abstract

A brief characteristic of three genetic groups of large and superlarge (lateritic, sedimentary, and karstic) bauxite deposits is presented. Their structure, composition, formation conditions, and localization patterns in the Earth’s Phanerozoic history are unraveled. Climatic, tectonic, geomorphological, hydrogeological, and other major factors favorable for bauxite formation are scrutinized. It is shown that only the combination of these factors produces large deposits that can make up productive bauxite ore districts and provinces.