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How do I tell calcite from dolomite?

Effervescence

Most minerals don't react with acid, but carbonate minerals like calcite or dolomite, do. Calcite and dolomite can look alike, but you can differentiate between them using acid. If you drop some weak acid (even vinegar will do) on a piece of calcite, it will foam, fizz, or otherwise effervese. Dolomite, on the other hand, will only fizz on fresh surfaces, so you have to scratch the dolomite first, and drop the acid on the scratch.

Comments

10/18/2007 2:31:18 PM
Danielle said:

I think you should make some tips on salt so people can tell how you know if salt is a mineral

12/17/2007 3:01:08 PM
marisa said:

it was helpful with my science homework

10/24/2011 2:04:24 PM
Landon said:

HI this is really helpful to our
class thanks

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