Biogenic Dissolution of Quartz during Formation of Laterite Bauxites (According to the Results of Electron Microscopic Study)

Abstract

For the first time, a systematic electron microscope study of the complete weathering of quartz in lateritic bauxites formed on khondalites and alluvial deposits of India was carried out. The appearance of dissolving individuals composing quartz crystals and their permanent connection with abundant biomineral films turned into druses of gibbsite crystals Al(OH)₃ are shown. The solubility of quartz is due to its unique piezoelectric properties, abnormal quartz expansion during inversion, climatic features, and intense biochemical factors (organic residues, bacteria, biofilms, etc.).