Minerals formed and mineral formation from volcanic ash by weathering

Abstract

Weathering of volcanic ash and pumice is unique regarding minerals formed and mineral formation. These minerals include allophane, imogolite, opaline silica and some halloysites, and have distinctive structures and properties. Studies on the surface and subsurface weathering of various volcanic ashes in different settings are reviewed. This review illustrates that relatively rapid weathering of finely comminuted volcanic ash well reflects the effects of climate, vegetation and time, and produces various combinations of weathering products. The moisture regime, the nature and amount of organic matter incorporated, the deposition of volcanic ash as overburden, and the chemical and mineralogical composition of parent ash are important in controlling the mineral formation in weathered volcanic ash.