Loss of zirconium from 12 soils derived from granite

Abstract

Analyses are given for zirconium in 12 soil profiles formed from granite in Sew South Wales and Queensland. On the basis that on rock weathering there is no change of volume, it is shown that a loss of zirconium is general in the lower horizons of the profiles and amounts to 20–50% of the rock zirconium. The high losses imply loss of zirconium from grains of zircon. In view of the use of zircon ns an index mineral in soil studies, it is important that the size of zircon grains which are affected should be further investigated.