the minerals calcite, helite and gypsum are all nonmetallic , light and softer than glass, and all have three directions of cleavage. In what ways can be distinguished from one another?
2006-09-12 06:22:07 · 3 answers · asked by abdirashid A 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Acid test (HCl) is a good start, but there are easier tests.
1) salt taste: only Halite
2) softer than fingernail: only gypsum
3) cubic cleavage: only halite
4) rhombahedral (slanted cube) cleavage: only calcite
5) only one cleaveage: only gypsum
2006-09-12 06:41:10 · answer #1 · answered by QFL 24-7 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gypsum can be scratched by your fingernail. Calcite fizzes in hydrochloric acid (or muriatic acid). Halite tastes salty, because common table salt is in reality halite.
2006-09-12 16:14:26 · answer #2 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an easier way to identify halite is to lick it. It is just salt.
2006-09-12 13:36:25 · answer #3 · answered by RED 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋