Laterite is a polymetallic ore and it is rich in iron oxide. It is formed from a variety of rocks that undergo stray oxidizing and leaching conditions. Laterite is typical clay like material and porous. The colors of Laterite vary from red, reddish-black, brown, yellow and blackish-brown. Laterite also in short can be called as a rock product that is formed in response to a set of physiochemical conditions. It has a number of uses in industries nowadays.
Laterite is a soil layer that is rich in iron oxide and derived from a wide variety of rocks weathering under strongly oxidizing and leaching conditions. It forms in tropical and sub tropical regions where the climate is humid. It is a reddish weathering product of basalt. Laterites are rusty-red in color because of high iron oxide content.
Laterite is well known in asian countries as a building material for more than 1000 years. It was excavated from the soil and cut in form of large blocks. Uses and benefits of laterite uses :
Used as a building material. Strong, hardened varieties of laterite are sometimes cut into blocks and used as brick stones for building houses.
Laterites are economically most important for ore deposits, such as bauxite. Hardened laterite varieties are also applied for the construction of simple roads. Nowadays solid lateritic gravel is readily put in aquaria where it favours the growth of tropical plants. In artifacts, monuments, sculpture, oil and gas reservoir, decoration etc. Laterite- cement blocks are more economical building units for walling units.
We are glad to inform that best quality of laterite which is suitable for indian cements industries is available in kutch region of gujarat state. the quality is highly alumina & low silica contains.
Laterite is a surface formation that is enriched in iron and aluminium. Found mainly in hot, wet tropical areas, it develops by intensive and long-lasting weathering of the underlying parent rock.
Laterite soil are commonly used as road pavement materials to provide a better sub base, gravel for roads and base materials. They are also good material for embankment construction
