Answer
Not all minerals in the rock would decompose equally during chemical weathering. Among the minerals commonly found in granite, quartz is known to be highly resistant to chemical weathering and would likely remain relatively intact. Quartz is composed of silica (SiO2) and is chemically stable under most weathering conditions. Its strong atomic bonds and resistance to chemical reactions make it one of the most durable minerals.
While other minerals in the granite, such as feldspar, biotite, and amphibole, are more susceptible to chemical weathering, quartz's resistance allows it to persist even as the surrounding minerals decompose. This can result in the accumulation of weathered products, including clay minerals and dissolved ions, while quartz grains remain relatively unchanged.
It's worth noting that although quartz is resistant to chemical weathering, it can still be subjected to mechanical weathering processes, such as abrasion and fracturing, which can alter its physical appearance and shape.
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