Laterite and Basalt Definition

Definition of Laterite and Basalt

The general Laterite and Basalt definition can be stated as: Laterite rock is a type of Sedimentary rock which is rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet tropical areas. On the other hand, Basalt is a common extrusive igneous rock formed by the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of Earth. Along with definition of Laterite and Basalt, get to know about Properties of Laterite and Basalt. Get to know more information about Laterite and Basalt origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Laterite and Basalt

The history of Laterite and Basalt gives information about where the rock was found and who was its discoverer. Almost each and every aspect of Earth's history is recorded in rocks be it the volcanoes which were erupted or the plants, animals and organisms which are now extinct, as rocks are present from millions of years.

Laterite and Basalt Origin and Discoverer

Laterite and Basalt definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Laterite and Basalt. In this section, you will know about Laterite and Basalt Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Laterite is India whereas Origin of Basalt is Egypt. It is interesting to know the name of Laterite and Basalt discoverer. The Discoverer of Laterite is Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and the discoverer of Basalt is Georgius Agricola.

Etymology of Laterite and Basalt

Along with Laterite and Basalt definition, know more about the etymology of Laterite and Basalt. Etymology of Laterite and Basalt gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Laterite and Formation of Basalt. The etymology of Laterite is From Latin later brick, tile + -ite1 while that of Basalt is From Latin later brick, tile + -ite1. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Laterite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Basalt belongs to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Laterite and Basalt are listed below.

For Laterite,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Soft Rock
• Group: Not applicable
• Other Categories: Fine grained rock and Opaque rock

For Basalt,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Medium Hardness Rock
• Group: Volcanic
• Other Categories: Fine grained rock and Opaque rock