Laterite Ore

Nearly two third of the area of Goa is covered by a mantle of laterite ranging in thickness from a couple of meters to over 25 mts.
Maximum thickness of laterite is observed along the coast in the west and minimum along the Ghat section in the East.
The laterites in Goa are generally formed from Quartz-chlorite-Amphibole Schist, Pink ferruginous phyllite, Schitose metabasalt & Metagreywacke.
The laterite in Goa are used in construction activity as laterite boulders and laterite stones (Locally called as �chira�).
The laterite stones are used in construction activity because of their peculiar nature of being soft while cutting and becomes hard after use.