Aluminous Laterite

A residual weathering product enriched in aluminium hydroxide minerals, particularly gibbsite, formed through intense tropical weathering of aluminium-bearing rocks. Aluminous laterite is the primary ore type from which bauxite is mined, typically occurring as a near-surface layer above saprolite and fresh rock. The quality of aluminous laterite as bauxite feedstock depends on total alumina content, reactive silica content, and mineralogy.