Which minerals are known to react to acid?

Study for the Earth Science Regents Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

The minerals known to react to acid are primarily calcite and limestone. When these minerals come into contact with a dilute acid, such as hydrochloric acid, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, which can be observed as bubbling or fizzing. This characteristic reaction is a key identification property for calcite and limestone, as they are both composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Granite and basalt, as well as quartz and feldspar, do not exhibit this reaction. Granite and basalt are igneous rocks composed of silicate minerals, which typically do not react with acids. Similarly, quartz is a major component of many rocks and is known for its hardness and chemical stability, remaining unreactive to acid. Feldspar can also vary in its reactivity, often showing little to no reaction. Marble, being metamorphic and derived from limestone, will react with acid due to its calcitic content. However, schist, a metamorphic rock, usually does not contain sufficient calcite to display a similar reaction.

Therefore, calcite and limestone are the definitive minerals that are known to react with acid, making the selection a clear choice.

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