A highly weathered red soil rich in iron and aluminum oxides. Typically formed in a tropical to temperate climate where intense chemical weathering is common.

red or orange soil with insoluble concentrations of iron, aluminum, and other metals. Laterites rich in aluminium oxides are mined for their aluminium ore.

see hardpan.

A residual soil, ususally found in tropical countries, out of which the silica has been leached. May form orebodies of iron, nickel, bauxite and manganese. Launder

Ore that occurs in the form of a soil residue that contains secondary metal oxides and is most often associated with nickel.

An iron-rich subsoil layer found in some highly weathered humid tropical soils that, when exposed and allowed to dry, becomes very hard and will not soften when rewetted. When erosion removes the overlying layers, the laterite is exposed and a virtual pavement results.