Abstract: Process for recovering coarsely crystalline alumina hydrate from bauxite according to the Bayer process wherein, in the presence of fine seed crystals, agglomerates are initially formed in a supersaturated sodium aluminate solution at 80.degree. to 65.degree. C. The agglomerates are then conducted through a first cascade of crystallizers and, after cooling to 55.degree. to 45.degree. C., through a second crystalizer cascade. A crystal suspension is extracted from the last crystallizer of the second crystallizer cascade and fractionated into fine seed crystals and coarse product crystals.

Abstract: A method for producing hexagonal, laminar, alpha aluminum oxide monocrystals having a grain size of about 16 to about 250 microns, and a diameter to thickness ratio of about 3:1 to about 7:1. Aluminum hydroxide of particle size greater than 60 microns is calcined in the presence of a fluorine-containing mineralizer at a temperature of greater than 1200.degree. C. but no more than 1450.degree. C., and the desired grain size is separated from the calcinate.