Chemical weathering

The minerals in rocks formed beneath the surface are in equilibrium with the temperature and
pressure conditions at time of their formation and thus are quite stable. However, many minerals
are no longer in equilibrium with their environmental conditions when exposed at the surface and
are susceptible to weathering. Chemical weathering results in the formation and retention of
minerals in equilibrium with environmental conditions at the Earth's surface. The least stable
minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks are olivine and plagioclase, the most stable is quartz.

The interlocking and spacing of mineral grains controls the tendency towards weathering. Rocks
with loosely interlocking mineral grains allow agents of chemical weathering to penetrate, thus
speeding their decomposition. Limestone is primarily composed of calcite, a mineral that is quite
soluble under surface conditions and easily dissolves in humid environments. In dry regions, the
tight texture of limestone prevents it from disintegration and thus is a relatively resistant rock
when found in deserts.

The process of chemical weathering tends to:

 increase bulk creating stress within rocks

 lower the density minerals

 decreased particle size resulting in increased surface area

 creates more mobile materials

 creates more stable minerals

Chemical weathering processes

Oxidation takes place when oxygen reacts with earth materials. Oxygen dissolved in water
combines with atoms of metallic elements abundant in silicate minerals. Attacking metals in the
soil, oxidation causes them to rust leaving the soil a brownish red to red color. When oxygen
combines with iron, the reddish iron oxide hematite (Fe2O3) is formed:

4Fe+3 + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3

Hydrolysis is an exchange reaction involving minerals and water. Free hydrogen (H+) and
hydroxide (OH)- ions in water are able to replace mineral ions and drive them into solution. As a
result, the mineral's atomic structure is changed into a new form. It is a process whereby silicate
minerals like potassium feldspar are weathered and a clay mineral is formed.

2KAlSi3O8 + 2H+ + 9 H2O -> Al2Si2O5(OH)4 + 4H4SiO4 + 2 K2+

Hydration involves the absorption of water like which occurs during the conversion of hematite
to limonite:

2Fe2O3 + 3H20 -> 2Fe2O3 . 3H20

Some geoscientists question whether hydration is a true chemical weathering process because the
process is readily reversible and the new product is not chemically different from its precursor.
Some would rather call hydration a physical weathering process.

Carbonic acid action involves combination of carbon dioxide and water. Though present in pure
water, carbon dioxide dissolved in water provides ions that produces free hydrogen. Carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere combines with rain water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3):

H2O + CO2 -> H2CO3

Though weak, when carbonic acid is combined with a mineral like calcite (CaCO3) common to
limestone, calcium and bicarbonate ions are released and carried off by groundwater.

CaCO3 + H2CO3 -> Ca+2 + 2 HCO-3

Reference

http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/mass_movement_weathering/chemical_weathering.html