sedimentary
Bauxite / Iron-rich Laterite
Laterite (principally Al(OH)3, Fe2O3, and SiO2)
Hardness: 1-3 on Mohs scale; Color: Rusty red, brown, grey, or yellowish; Luster: Earthy and dull; Structure: Pisolitic (pea-sized grains) or massive/vesicular; Specific gravity: Approx 2.5-3.5.
- Hardness
- 1-3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Rusty red, brown, grey, or yellowish
- Luster
- Earthy and dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 1-3 on Mohs scale; Color: Rusty red, brown, grey, or yellowish; Luster: Earthy and dull; Structure: Pisolitic (pea-sized grains) or massive/vesicular; Specific gravity: Approx 2.5-3.5.
Formation & geological history
Formed through intense chemical weathering (laterization) of underlying parent rock in hot, humid tropical climates. It is a residual soil/rock layer enriched in aluminum and iron as other elements leach away over thousands to millions of years.
Uses & applications
Primary source for aluminum ore (bauxite). Used historically in construction (bricks/blocks), road building, and as a raw material for iron smelting in some regions.
Geological facts
Laterite was first named in 1807 by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in India; the name is derived from the Latin 'later', meaning brick, because it can be easily cut into bricks that harden when exposed to air.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its pitted, porous appearance and deep reddish-brown staining. Frequently found in tropical regions like Australia, India, and Africa. Note the presence of rounded concentration nodules (pisolites) within the matrix.
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