ON THE RELATIVE DISSOLUTION RATES OF SOME OXIDE AND ORTHOSILICATE MINERALS

The relative dissolution rates of some simple divalent oxides in acids rank in a similar fashion as the rates of water exchange into the hydration sphere of the dissolved metal ion. This observation suggests that the local bonding environment of the metal ion and oxygen is the most important factor controlling the dissolution rate. Thus those variables which strongly influence rates of ligand exchange may also be important in controlling rates of oxide and silicate dissolution. This approach is used to predict the relative dissolution rates of simple orthosilicate minerals. © 1991.