When oxygen combines with iron bearing rock materials, it is called rusting. Oxidation processes cause iron oxides to turn reds, oranges and browns, much like that of the rust on nails, etc, as the chemical reaction that is taking place is very much the same. Basalt rocks weather by oxidation to an orange colour. Some iron oxides that are produced are: limonite, hematite, and goethite.
Cool!
ReplyDelete