sedimentary
Laterite
Lateritic Soil/Rock (rich in Fe2O3 and Al2O3)
Hardness: 2.0-3.5 (highly variable); Color: Rusty red, brown, or ochre yellow; Luster: Dull, earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous or fine-grained; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.5-3.6.
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Rusty red, brown, or ochre yellow
- Luster
- Dull, earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-3.5 (highly variable); Color: Rusty red, brown, or ochre yellow; Luster: Dull, earthy; Crystal structure: Amorphous or fine-grained; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.5-3.6.
Formation & geological history
Formed in tropical or subtropical regions by the chemical weathering (leaching) of parent rocks under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, resulting in the concentration of iron and aluminum oxides.
Uses & applications
Used historically as a primary building stone for temples (e.g., Angkor Wat); currently used for road gravel, as a source of iron and aluminum (bauxite), and in some traditional medicines.
Geological facts
Laterite was named by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in 1807, derived from the Latin word 'later' meaning brick, because it can be easily cut into brick shapes when moist but hardens significantly when dried in the sun.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its pitted or vesicular texture and deep red-brown color. Found commonly in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Brazil. Collectors look for unique 'pisolitic' (pea-shaped) textures.
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