III.—What is Laterite?

Abstract

Few natural mineral products have aroused more general interest or been more provocative of discussion amongst geologists than that superficial rock-formation so typical of the tropics known as laterite. This material excites interest not only because of its chemical composition, but also on account of its wide distribution. It has been recorded, for instance, from tropical South America (e.g. the Guianas and Brazil), Central Africa (e.g. Guinea and East Africa), the Seychelles, India, the Malay Peninsula, the East Indies, and Western Australia. Many papers have been published dealing with its distribution, composition, and also its origin, to explain which many hypotheses have been invented.