Laterite rock is a type of Sedimentary rock which is rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet tropical areas
Francis Buchanan-Hamilton
From Latin later brick, tile + -ite1
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Earthy, Massive, Porphyritic
Decorative Aggregates, Flooring, Interior Decoration
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Garden Decoration
Cobblestones, for Road Aggregate, Landscaping, Roadstone
Artifacts, Monuments, Sculpture
An Oil and Gas Reservoir, Source of bauxite, Used in aquariums
Is one of the oldest rock, Very fine grained rock
Archaeological Significance
Laterite is a type of sedimentary rock which is generally a reddish weathering product of basalt.
Aluminum Oxides, Biotite, Hematite, Hornblade, Iron Oxides, Manganese Oxides, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene
Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, Potassium Oxide, MgO, MnO, Sodium Oxide, Phosphorus Pentoxide, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering
Chemical Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion
Heat Resistant, Pressure Resistant
Deposits in Eastern Continents
East Africa, Western Africa
England, Romania, Scotland
Deposits in Western Continents
Deposits in Oceania Continent
Central Australia, Western Australia
Learn more about Properties of Laterite
What is Laterite? In this section, we will learn more about properties of Laterite i.e. physical and thermal properties. Physical properties of Laterite include Color, Streak, Hardness, Structure, Cleavage, Fracture, Luster, Specific Gravity etc. The strength of Laterite is 5.00 N/mm2. Streak of Laterite is white while its cleavage is . Luster of Laterite is dull and its fracture is conchoidal. Laterite is opaque in nature. Know all about Laterite, What is Laterite, its composition, features, facts and reserves in next sections.
Know about Composition of Laterite
What is Laterite composed of? Get to know about composition of Laterite here. Laterite definition gives information about the Formation of Laterite and its composition.The composition of Laterite can be further divided into mineral and compound content. The mineral content of Laterite rock includes Aluminum Oxides, Biotite, Hematite, Hornblade, Iron Oxides, Manganese Oxides, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene and The compound content of Laterite rock includes Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, Potassium Oxide, MgO, MnO, Sodium Oxide, Phosphorus Pentoxide, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide. Almost all rocks undergo transformation process. Know all about Laterite rock in next section.