Some kinetics of bronzite orthopyroxene dissolution

The kinetics of bronzite orthopyroxene dissolution were investigated in HClKCl solutions having a total concentration of 0.1 M, over the pH range 1–4.5, at temperatures between 42 and 1°C. Dissolution of the pyroxene was incongruent and followed a parabolic rate law. The activation energy of the reaction is 10.5 ± 0.6 kcal mole^?1. The rate dependence on hydrogen ion activity is one-half order. The rate of dissolution is unaffected by substitution of sodium for potassium, or sulfate or nitrate for chloride anion, or by addition of citrate or acetate ions. However, traces of fluoride increase the dissolution rate. The rates observed are one to two orders of magnitude slower than those previously reported by Luceet al. (1972) for dissolution of enstatite.