Every serious field geologist carries a small bottle of acid to perform this quick field test, used to distinguish the most common carbonate rocks, dolomite and limestone. A few drops of the acid are put on the rock, and limestone responds by fizzing vigorously. Dolomite fizzes only very slowly. Here are some pictures made in a more controlled setting.
Images 1-5 of 5
- Passing the Acid TestThe real thing
- Mystery CarbonateCould be either
- Calcite Test FailsNot calcite
- Crushed Carbonate MineralDefinitely a carbonate
- Dolomite Passes the Acid TestA slow burn
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