sedimentary
Laterite (Red Clay)
Laterite (Fe2O3 · nH2O and Al2O3 · nH2O)
Hardness: 1-3 (soft/crumbly); Color: Rusty red, reddish-brown; Luster: Earthy, dull; Texture: Granular, porous; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 1-3 (soft/crumbly)
- Color
- Rusty red, reddish-brown
- Luster
- Earthy, dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 1-3 (soft/crumbly); Color: Rusty red, reddish-brown; Luster: Earthy, dull; Texture: Granular, porous; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through intense and prolonged weathering (leaching) of underlying parent rock in hot and wet tropical climates. Rich in iron and aluminum oxides.
Uses & applications
Used as a primary source of aluminum (bauxite) and iron ore; also widely used in tropical countries for road building and as a traditional housing material (bricks).
Geological facts
The word laterite comes from the Latin 'later', meaning brick. It has been used for centuries to build massive structures like the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct rusty red color, presence in tropical regions, and high clay content that hardens when exposed to air. Found commonly in Brazil, India, Australia, and Africa.
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