The Soils of Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji contains a classification of soil called Andisols which is formed in volcanic ash during an eruption. Andisols consists of a high concentration of clay & volcanic glass materials such as Allophane; which is aluminum silicate clay. Allophane is formed by weathering, and the source of the weathering comes from the high pressue and concentration of heat from the volcanic magma underneath the surface, and plus Allophane is a acidic to neutral pH level of 5-7.
You will find Andisols and other minerals such as Allophane near volcanic areas around the globe.

                                    

                    Courtesy of  http://fuji.frutadetiempo.com/english_fuji_mountain_hut.html

Other minerals that are found in Andisols are Halloysite and Gibbsite. Gibbsite is aluminum hydroxide mineral and Halloysite is a form of basaltic rocks also consisting of aluminum.
The soil isn't rich in vegetation, but it seems the soil is enriched enough to grow plant life.

The link http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35255539/UNIQUE-CLAY-MINERAL-FORMATION-IN-ANDISOLS-DERIVED-FROM-HOLOCENE- presents an article of the research and classification of different clay rock materials in the Andisol soil of Mt. Fuji. The link also demonstrates a graph of the number of hallyosites and Gibbsites found. Hope you enjoy!!

                             

© Jeff Weissman / Photographic Guide to Mineral Species          © John Veevaert





My Sources and Links
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35255539/UNIQUE-CLAY-MINERAL-FORMATION-IN-ANDISOLS-DERIVED-FROM-HOLOCENE-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allophane
http://webmineral.com/specimens/picshow.php?id=1896&target=Halloysitehttp://www.mindat.org/min-1808.html