Closeup of a weathered laterite wall among the ruins at Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia. Laterite was often used for construction around Angkor
Laterite, a soil type rich in iron and aluminum, is formed in hot, wet tropical areas through prolonged chemical weathering of the underlying rock. Its rusty red color is caused by high iron oxide content. Mined while it is below the water table, laterite can easily be cut into regular-sized blocks. When exposed to air it gradually hardens as the moisture evaporates and the iron salts lock into a rigid lattice structure.
Size: 4272px × 2848px
Location: Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia
Photo credit: © John Cumbow / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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