Abstract: Weathering of rock and minerals is one of the most important geochemical phenomena that occurs on the earth’s surface, among which biological weathering is considered to be important. The role of lichens and lichenic acids secreted from lichens on biological weathering of rock and minerals was summarized in this paper. We also discussed the mechanisms of weathering. Our objective was to provide the theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the important functions of lichens and lichenic acids in forest ecosystems(especially for the cold temperate). Lichens can significantly induce and accelerate the weathering process of rock and minerals through physical and chemical mechanisms; Biophysical and biochemical weathering occur at the same time, of which the latter is more important. During the course of lichen-induced rock and mineral weathering, lichenic acids are secreted by lichens specifically on their symbiotic fungi or algae; these acids are the main drivers behind rock and mineral weathering both in the field and in the laboratory. Their weathering mechanisms include proton promotion and complexation effects. Lichenic acids, especially, can form soluble chelates with the base ions in rock and minerals, thus leading to dissolution of rock and minerals.