What is the primary result of chemical weathering on rocks?

The primary result of chemical weathering on rocks is the formation of new minerals. This process involves the alteration of the minerals within the rock through chemical reactions, often involving water, acids, or other chemicals that can change the composition of the original materials. For instance, feldspar, a common mineral in granite, can undergo hydrolysis to form clay minerals—a new type of mineral. During this transformation, elements are often released into the soil or waterways, contributing to the chemical composition of those environments.

While physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical structure, chemical weathering actively alters the minerals involved. This makes the formation of new minerals a hallmark of the chemical weathering process, distinguishing it from other forms of weathering that don’t modify the mineral composition of the rocks.