Experimental investigation of etch pit formation on quartz sand grains

Abstract

SummaryAn experimental investigation into the formation of crystallographically orientated etch pits on quartz sand grains was undertaken. The methods and materials used in the experiments differ considerably from those of other workers in this field. Using natural as opposed to artificial solutions, V-shaped or triangular etch pits as well as rectangular pits have been produced on the quartz grains after time periods of 4 hours and 20 hours. Features of intense surface disintegration have also been recorded. The etch pits are compared to those of natural occurrence on grains from the Millstone Grit (Namurian) sediments and the differences discussed.