What process describes the dissolving of certain minerals in water?

The process that describes the dissolving of certain minerals in water is known as dissolution. This occurs when minerals interact with water and their ionic components separate and disperse into the solution. During dissolution, the chemical bonds holding the mineral together are broken down as water molecules surround the individual ions. This is particularly common for soluble minerals such as halite (rock salt) and gypsum, which readily dissolve in water, often contributing to the formation of natural waters and influencing geological processes like sediment transport and formation of caves.

The other processes listed, while also involving differences in chemical interactions, do not specifically refer to the dissolving of minerals in water. Oxidation involves the reaction of a substance with oxygen, often leading to the alteration of minerals but not necessarily their dissolution. Hydrolysis refers to the reaction of minerals with water that leads to chemical alteration rather than simply dissolving into a solution. Condensation describes the phase change from gas to liquid, which is not related to the chemical dissolution of minerals. Thus, dissolution is the most accurate term for the process that involves the dissolving of minerals in water.