Dissolution and growth reactions occurring at mineral–fluid interfaces are important in all geochemical processes and essential for the cycling of elements within the Earth. The importance of understanding the nature of the fluid-mineral interfaces and the processes taking place cannot be overestimated, as has implications in every aspect of fluid–rock and fluid–mineral interaction and thus is fundamental to many natural and industrial processes, such as the interaction of minerals with CO2-saturated water, the durability of nuclear waste materials, the remediation of polluted water, and mineral reactions that can destroy our stone-based cultural heritage. The development of advanced analytical methods, direct observations of mineral reactions at the nanoscale, together with computational methods allowing realistic models of mineral surfaces in contact with aqueous solutions, have enabled new possibilities for characterizing solid-liquid interfaces and clarifying the mechanisms governing mineral-fluid reactions.

We welcome contributions from research, experimental or computational, concerning fluid-mineral interfacial processes during crystal growth, dissolution and mineral replacement reactions. The main emphasis of this session is low temperature aqueous fluid reactions but other relevant conditions elucidating growth and dissolution processes are also applicable, including the chemical, physical or biological factors involved. The aim of the session is to bring together state-of-the-art research with the common theme of understanding mineral-fluid interfaces and the processes and mechanisms controlling interfacial reactions.