Which mineral in a granite is likely to weather first?

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Study for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam. Access flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and understand key geologic principles. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which mineral in a granite is likely to weather first?

Explanation:
Chemical weathering attacks minerals that are less chemically stable at the surface. Quartz is extremely durable because of its highly polymerized Si–O network, so it resists weathering the most. Feldspars, especially plagioclase feldspars, are more readily broken down by hydrolysis, turning into clays and dissolved ions. Andesine is a plagioclase feldspar, so it is typically the first to weather in granite under surface conditions. Amphibole and biotite also weather, but they are not as quickly altered as plagioclase in many environments, and quartz remains the least weathered.

Chemical weathering attacks minerals that are less chemically stable at the surface. Quartz is extremely durable because of its highly polymerized Si–O network, so it resists weathering the most. Feldspars, especially plagioclase feldspars, are more readily broken down by hydrolysis, turning into clays and dissolved ions. Andesine is a plagioclase feldspar, so it is typically the first to weather in granite under surface conditions. Amphibole and biotite also weather, but they are not as quickly altered as plagioclase in many environments, and quartz remains the least weathered.

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