By virtue of the molecular water stored within the chemistry of the gibbsitic Guyanese bauxite, it can be used as an additive to impede the spread of flames and fire in end products such as carpet backing, cable sheathing and polymers. The gibbsitic bauxite stores as much molecular water as other commonly used mineral fire retardants, i.e. aluminium tri-hydrate (ATH), whilst having a 90% lower carbon footprint.