What is the most abundant mineral found in soil?

The most abundant mineral found in soil is quartz. Quartz is a highly durable and resistant mineral that is composed primarily of silicon dioxide. Its stability under weathering processes makes it a dominant component in many soil types. As rocks break down through weathering, quartz particles are less susceptible to chemical alteration compared to other minerals, resulting in a significant presence in the soil after the breakdown of parent material.

Additionally, quartz grains can vary widely in size and shape, reducing the likelihood of them being transported away from their original location compared to other less stable minerals. This contributes to its abundance in natural soils across various environments.

Feldspar, while also common in the Earth's crust, weathers to clay minerals and other secondary products over time, thus being less abundant in the final soil profile. Calcite, primarily found in limestone and as a cementing agent in sedimentary rocks, is not as prevalent. Clay minerals, although significant in terms of soil structure and properties, do not have the same level of abundance as quartz.