Bauxite was not "discovered" in the sense of a single person making a groundbreaking find. Instead, its identification and use evolved over time.

Here's a breakdown:

* Early uses: Bauxite was used for centuries in various parts of the world, particularly for its abrasive properties.

* 1821: Pierre Berthier, a French mineralogist, first described the mineral in detail, naming it after Les Baux-de-Provence in southern France, where he found it.

* 1887: Carl Josef Bayer developed the Bayer process, a method for extracting aluminum from bauxite, which revolutionized aluminum production.

Therefore, while Pierre Berthier formally identified and named bauxite, its discovery was a gradual process involving various individuals and civilizations. Carl Josef Bayer played a crucial role in making bauxite a key material in the modern world.