ELi5:Why is the soil red in some places?

Question

ELi5:Why is the soil red in some places?

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

The soil could have a high concentration of Iron(III)oxide or rust. Rust is, well, red so the soil turns reddish brown. Iron(III)oxide is by far the most common reason iirc but different minerals could also cause the red hue.