The Spectator., 1915-07-20
BREAKS THE RECORD
Production of Bauxite and Alu-
 minum Greatly Increased.
Growth of Aluminium Industry Shown by Fact That Production in 1884 Was 15o Pounds, and in 1904
 9,6oo,ooo Pounds.

Washington.-The production of bauxite and the consumption of alu- minum in the United States in 1914 were the largest ever recorded. The report prepared by w. C.. Phalen of the United States geological survey shows an output of 219,31S long tons of bauxite. valued at S1,069, 194, in 1914, against 210,241 long tons, valued at $997,69S, in 1913. The states which produced bauXite in 1914 were Ala bama, Arkansas. Georgia and Tennes- see Arkansas produced more than so per cent of the output and the output was larger in 1914 than in 1913. The production of Georgia, which held sec. ond place in both years, and of Ala bama and Tennessee was considerably less in 1914 than it was in 1913. The imports of bauxite amounted to 24,- S44 long tons, valued at $96,500, or 3,3SS tons more than in 1913.
 Bauxite is used in the production of metallic aluminium and in the manu- facture of aluminium salts, of bauXlte bricks. and of alundum. The use of bauxite In the production of the metal aluminium is by far the most i'm portant one, and the largest part Of the bauxite produced in Arkansas, as well as most of that imported, Is used in the aluminium industry.
 Alundum, which is used extensively as an abrasive, is made at Niagara Falls, N Y, by fusing calcined bauxite In an electric furnace. Alundum Is especially efficient for the grinding of steel forgings and castings. Only the best grades of bauxite are used in the manufacture of such chemicals as alum, aluminium sulphate and alumni mum salts, as freedom from oxide of iron is desirable for such purposes.
 Another use to which bauxite is adapted Is in the manufacture of cal cium illuminate, which gives quick set to plaster compositions.
 The quantity of aluminium consumed in the United States in 1914 was 79,129,000 pounds, against 72,379,0O0 pounds in 1913 and 65,607,000 pounds in 1912 The growth of the industry Is shown by the fact that the produc- ton was 150 pounds In 1884. 550,0OO pounds in 1894, and s,600,000 pounds in 1904
 The value of the exports of alumi- mum and of manufactures of alumi- mum amounted to S1,546,510 in 1914. as compared with s966094 in 1913.
 oh hnn mt nf metals and ranks third among the elements which compose the crust of the earth, being exceeded only by oxygen and silicon. It is an important constituent of all common rocks ex- cept certain sedimentary rocks, as sandstone and limestone. It Is never found native, or in elementary form, but occurs as an oxide. hydrous oxide. tiuoride. phosphate, sulphate silicate. or other compound. The only source of the metal so far commercially util- ized Is bauXite. an ore that contains 50 to 60 per cent of alumina (the common oxide), which corresponds to a metallic content of 26.5 to SIS per cent of aluminium.
 The consumption of aluminium Is constantly expanding, and aside from its use in the manufacture of cooking utensils, it is being employed in the construction of automobile castings and of welded tanks used by brewers, preserve manufacturers, and fat ren- derers and for wire for power.trans- mission lines Other uses which are important in their adaptability and efficiency but which absorb only a small portion of the domestic product are the manufacture of powdered metal used as a paint pigment and in making aluminium foil. Aluminium foil is gradually displacing tin foil. which heretofore has been used for wrapping cheese, candies. tobacco, tea and oth' CT products.