## Common ground
Both options refer to bauxite, the primary ore of aluminum, in different processed forms.
## Options at a glance
**2606.00 – Raw bauxite**
- **Defining trait:** Unprocessed or minimally processed bauxite mined directly from the earth.
- **Typical examples:** Bauxite ore from mines in Guinea, Australia, or Jamaica.
- **Best fit when:** The material is used for aluminum extraction and has not been heated to remove water or impurities.
**3824.99 – Calcined bauxite (refractory grade)**
- **Defining trait:** Bauxite that has been heated at high temperatures to remove moisture and increase purity, making it suitable for high-heat applications.
- **Typical examples:** Refractory bricks, linings in furnaces, or insulation materials.
- **Best fit when:** The product is used in industrial heat-resistant applications, not for primary aluminum production.
## Key differences
| Feature | 2606.00 – Raw bauxite | 3824.99 – Calcined bauxite (refractory) |
|---------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Processing | Unprocessed | Heated (calcined) |
| Primary use | Aluminum production | Refractory/heat-resistant materials |
| Moisture content | High | Low |
| Purity | Variable, lower | Higher |
## How to choose
- Is the bauxite used directly in aluminum smelting? → 2606.00
- Has the material been heated to remove water and increase heat resistance? → 3824.99
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A product might be mistaken for one category if it’s partially processed. However, the key distinction is processing: raw bauxite is not calcined; calcined bauxite has undergone thermal treatment. If unsure, check whether the material was heated above 1000°C—this indicates calcination. The main function determines the correct code: aluminum feed vs. refractory use