What is the process called that transforms original minerals into clay through chemical changes?

The process that transforms original minerals into clay through chemical changes is called chemical weathering. This natural process involves the alteration of the chemical structure of minerals due to reactions with water, acids, oxygen, and other chemicals in the environment.

During chemical weathering, primary minerals, such as feldspar, can break down to form secondary minerals, including clay minerals. This transformation occurs as the minerals react with various substances, leading to changes in their composition and structure. For instance, the hydrolysis of feldspar can produce kaolinite, a common clay mineral, as silica and other ions are released into solution.

Understanding this process is crucial in mining and geology because it affects soil characteristics, mineral availability, and the overall landscape. It emphasizes the importance of both the mineral's initial chemical properties and the environmental conditions in promoting the formation of clay.

Other processes, such as physical weathering and mechanical weathering, primarily involve the physical breakdown of rocks and minerals without altering their chemical structure. Soil formation relates to the development of soil layers and horizons but encompasses more than just the chemical transformation of minerals into clay.