chemical weathering

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chemical weathering

geology

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June 24, 2026

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Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are altered or decomposed at or near the Earth's surface through chemical reactions. This occurs when atmospheric gases, such as acids, interact with susceptible rocks. For example, acids like sulfuric acid and nitric acid, formed from pollutants, can react with water and other chemicals to break down rock.12

Unlike physical weathering, which breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, chemical weathering reorganizes or changes the mineral makeup of the rock. Factors such as the rock's mineral composition, texture, and the presence of joints and fractures influence how quickly chemical weathering occurs. Climate also plays a significant role, with humid tropical climates being particularly conducive to chemical weathering.3

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mica
Origin and occurrence
It alters rather easily during chemical weathering and thus is rare in sediments and sedimentary rocks. One stage in the weathering of biotite has resulted in some confusion. During chemical weathering, biotite tends to lose its elasticity and become decolorized to silvery gray flakes. In a fairly common intermediate stage,…
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It alters rather easily during chemical weathering and thus is rare in sediments and sedimentary rocks. One stage in the weathering of biotite has resulted in some confusion. During chemical weathering, biotite tends to lose its elasticity and become decolorized to silvery gray flakes. In a fairly common intermediate stage,…
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calcite
Origin and occurrence
…down in most areas where chemical weathering takes place. It is dissolved and its products are carried in surface-water and groundwater solutions. The excavation of caves is a subsurface manifestation of these processes, just as their subsequent filling-in with speleothems is a manifestation of one of the modes whereby calcite…
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…down in most areas where chemical weathering takes place. It is dissolved and its products are carried in surface-water and groundwater solutions. The excavation of caves is a subsurface manifestation of these processes, just as their subsequent filling-in with speleothems is a manifestation of one of the modes whereby calcite…
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weathering
Rock alteration usually involves chemical weathering in which the mineral composition of the rock is changed, reorganized, or redistributed. The rock minerals are exposed to solution, carbonation, hydration, and oxidation by circulating waters. These effects on the mineral decomposition are added to the effects of living organisms and plants…
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Rock alteration usually involves chemical weathering in which the mineral composition of the rock is changed, reorganized, or redistributed. The rock minerals are exposed to solution, carbonation, hydration, and oxidation by circulating waters. These effects on the mineral decomposition are added to the effects of living organisms and plants…
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olivine
Alteration products and weathering
…little resistance to attack by weathering agents and hot mineralizing (hydrothermal) solutions. The forsteritic olivines are altered principally through leaching, which results in the removal of magnesium and the addition of water and some iron. The chemical reactions are usually complex and involve hydration, oxidation, and carbonation. The fayalitic olivines…
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…little resistance to attack by weathering agents and hot mineralizing (hydrothermal) solutions. The forsteritic olivines are altered principally through leaching, which results in the removal of magnesium and the addition of water and some iron. The chemical reactions are usually complex and involve hydration, oxidation, and carbonation. The fayalitic olivines…
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