sedimentary

Iron-rich laterite / limonite-bearing rock

Laterite containing goethite–hematite (FeO(OH)–Fe₂O₃), limonite, and weathered silicate minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rust-red to brown, earthy to moderately hard, commonly dull or submetallic; hardness roughly 4–6 for iron oxides, with no consistent cleavage and variable porosity. The dark metallic-looking patches may be hematite or goethite.

Identified August 25, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms by intense tropical or subtropical chemical weathering, which leaches silica and concentrates iron oxides in soils and weathering profiles; typically younger than the underlying bedrock, commonly Quaternary to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used as iron ore where sufficiently enriched, and locally for pigments, road material, and construction aggregate; generally little jewelry value.

Geological facts

A brown-yellow streak suggests goethite or limonite, while a red to reddish-brown streak suggests hematite. Strong attraction to a magnet may indicate magnetite or maghemite rather than ordinary laterite.

Field identification & locations

Common in tropical terrains, especially Africa, India, Brazil, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Field tests include a reddish-yellow streak, earthy texture, high density, and possible magnetism; identification would improve with streak, magnet, and hardness tests.