How could you differentiate white marble to white quartzite?

1 ⤊

How could you differentiate white marble to white quartzite?

PLEASE ANSWER!!

2006-10-23 07:52:54 · 2 answers · asked by angie s 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology

2 answers

Two ways. Place a few drops of hydrochloric acid (or muriatic acid) on the specimen. If it fizzes then it is likely to be marble. The better way would be to try to scratch the material with a knife. If it scratches then it is marble. If it doesn't scratch, then it is quartzite.

2006-10-23 10:15:13 · answer #1 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋

Marble is usually metamorphosed limestone, basically calcium carbonate CaCO3. Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone, chiefly silicone dioxide SiO2. Limestone will fizz when exposed to hydrochloric acid HCl, but sandstone will not.

The above answers are also correct.

2006-10-23 12:03:46 · answer #2 · answered by Tom-PG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋