Abstract
The solubilities of quartz in pure water at elevated temperatures and pressure are given. Water, under these conditions, differentially etches or corrodes the quartz and gives a solution or suspension that is not homogeneous. It is concluded that silica “dissolves” or disintegrates to give a colloidal suspension.
Quartz crystals contain discontinuities on a different scale. A cementing material of the same composition but of different physical properties from the bulk of the crystal is postulated to exist which holds the various lineage and mosaic elements together. The cementing material is thought to be preferentially removed during etching to produce some of the features observed. Some geological consequences of this argument are given.
A model is suggested to account for both the disintegration and regrowth of quartz.
