What simple chemical test will distinguish chalk from white claystone?

Answer 1

Items made from Calcium Carbonate will fizz when a solution of dilute hydrochloric acid is placed on them. Ceramic items will not fizz when a solution of dilute hydrochloric acid is placed on them.

Answer 2

The simplest test to distinguish between calcite and dolomite, or between calcite and any other mineral for that matter, is the optical properties test. Simply put, calcite is the only mineral that creates a double refraction. If you lay a clear sample of calcite over any written word, you will see that word twice! If it doesn't cause double refraction, it isn't calcite.

Answer 3

Add acid if a gas is evolved (CO2) you have the carbonate

Answer 4

Dropping a small amount of HCl (hydrochloric acid) on calcite will make it fizz. Non-carbonates will not do this.

Answer 5

A drop of vinegar will fizz on the chalk, but not on the claystone.

Answer 6

density.