Laterite, rich in iron oxide, is derived from various weathered rocks under strong oxidizing and leaching conditions. It is formed in humid tropical and subtropical regions. Lateritic soils may contain clay minerals, but they are often poor in silica because they are leached by silica in the soil. The typical red soil is porous and clayey. It contains iron ferric oxide minerals, goethite, HFeO2, limestone, FeO (OH), and hematite, Fe2O3. It also contains titanium oxides and hydrated oxides of aluminum, the most common and abundant is gibbsite, Al2O3? 3H2O. The red clay rich in aluminum is a bauxite.

　　Lupus erythematosus is usually pisolitic (pealike). The surface is dark brown to light red, usually with slag or a rich flavor. Usually lighter colors (red, yellow and brown), which are freshly broken and freshly quarry, but are usually softer when exposed.

　　Laterite is not a specific parent rock, geological age, single formation method, climate itself or geographical location. It is a rock product that responds to a series of physical and chemical conditions, including iron bearing rocks, well drained terrain, rich water during weathering, relatively high oxidation potential, and continuous conditions for thousands of years.

　　Laterite is used as an iron ore and used as a nickel mine in Cuba.