Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing impurities such as carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide from acidic fluid solutions using a serpentine material and producing a reaction product comprising recoverable metal values and finely divided silica. In accordance with the process, the serpentine material is slurried with water and is then mixed with an acidic fluid solution including at least one of H.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and H.sub.2 SO.sub.3. In particular, the acid material may be formed by contacting a gaseous component such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide directly with water. A waste industrial gas containing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or a mixture of the two is an excellent source of gaseous components having utility in connection with this invention.