Granite weathering yields which material?

• A. Clay
• B. Silt
• C. Marble dust
• D. Quartz sand

Answer: (D)

Granite is rich in quartz, feldspar, and mica, and quartz is extremely resistant to both chemical and physical weathering. As granite weathers, the feldspar and mica break down into clay minerals and dissolved ions, while the quartz grains persist. Those enduring quartz grains accumulate as sand-sized particles, so the most characteristic weathering product of granite surfaces is quartz sand. The other options either represent minerals that typically weather to clay (like feldspar and mica) or are not a primary residual product of granite weathering (marble dust relates to carbonate rocks; silt is a possible intermediary, but quartz sand is the enduring end product).