sedimentary

Earthy iron-rich clay or weathered laterite

Hydrated iron oxides and clay minerals, commonly goethite/hematite with kaolinite or illite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Very fine-grained, matte, loose powder with brown to reddish-brown color; likely hardness below 3 when consolidated, no visible crystals or cleavage. The texture and color suggest abundant clay and iron oxides, but exact mineralogy cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified August 30, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably produced by intense chemical weathering of iron-bearing rock in a warm, humid environment, forming lateritic or ferruginous soil; age may range from recent soil accumulation to ancient weathering surfaces. It could also be processed mineral earth rather than a coherent rock.

Uses & applications

Used as pigment, soil amendment or ceramic raw material when composition is suitable; iron-rich laterite may also be an ore. Loose material has little collector value, generally about $1–$10 per bag or sample.

Geological facts

Brown coloration commonly comes from goethite and hydrated iron oxides, while redder tones indicate hematite. The photograph shows powder or soil rather than a diagnostic hand specimen, so identification is necessarily limited.

Field identification & locations

Common in tropical and subtropical weathering profiles, including India, Brazil, Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia. A streak test, magnetism test, acid test, microscope examination, and X-ray diffraction would distinguish lateritic clay from ochre, soil, or another powdered mineral.