You may know the Arkansas state bird is the mockingbird and the state flower is the apple blossom. You may also know the state insect is the honeybee and the state mammal is the white tail deer. You may know the state gem is the diamond and the state mineral is quartz. These are all quite common throughout Arkansas or well-known (in case of diamonds). But do you know what the state rock is? One may think it is a rock commonly found in many parts of the state like sandstone or limestone or shale (given its recent economic significance). However, none of these are the state’s geological symbol.
What is the state rock? Bauxite. Bauxite? Yes, Bauxite.
Bauxite is a sedimentary rock and is the principal ore of aluminum. There are 2 mining districts in Arkansas—one in Pulaski County, near Little Rock and the other in Saline County, near Benton. Bauxite was mined in the state from 1898 until 1982 for aluminum. It has continued to be mined in small amounts for other purposes. Why is this ore rock found in Arkansas? Why is it economically important? Who mined it and how was it mined? What role did Arkansas’ Bauxite play in the country’s history? These questions and more will be explored in this class.