Laterites are a type of soil or rock that are rich in iron and aluminum oxides. These materials give laterites their reddish-brown color and make them highly weather-resistant. Synonyms for laterites include ferricrete, ironstone, and bauxite. Ferricrete is a type of iron-rich soil that is hard and cemented, while ironstone is a sedimentary rock that is composed of iron minerals. Bauxite is a type of laterite that is rich in aluminum and is commonly used in the production of aluminum. Other synonyms for laterites include red earth, red dirt, and tropical soils. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the highly weathered soils found in tropical regions.