A theoretical mechanism for the oxidation of ferrous iron in hydroxy-lated silicates is described. The reaction is represented by the general equation 4Fe 2+ + 2nOH- + O2~4Fe 3+ + (n + 2)02- + nH20, where n can vary. Oxidation occurs only at the surface of the mineral and is sus-tained by the migration of protons and electrons through the crystal. Non-oxidizable ions, such as Mg2+, and water formed during oxidation inhibit the reaction. The experimental evidence for the theory is de-rived, from a study of the oxidation of amphiboles.
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W. E. Addison (1962) studied this question.
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