Which type of chemical weathering process involves the reaction of minerals with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions from water molecules, leading to the breakdown of silicate minerals into clay?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hydrolysis is a chemical weathering process where water molecules chemically react with mineral ions, breaking down complex silicates like feldspars into secondary clay minerals while releasing soluble cations. This mechanism alters the chemical composition of rocks rather than just their physical size.