I'm interested in buying some hydrochloric acid to test rock composition in the field. Which strength should I buy to test for the presence of calcium carbonate? How hard is it to dilute if I buy a higher strength? What is its shelf life?
2007-06-29 04:46:29 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Just go to a hardware store and buy muriatic acid. It is used for cleaning swimming pools and it is sufficient to test for calcite and dolomite. Be sure to read the safety instructions on the container. I usually dilute my muriatic acid, using the principle of pouring acid into water. I use equal amounts of acid and water. If you were to buy nearly pure hydrochloric acid (assuming you can), it could be very hard to dilute it. I know I wouldn't want to do it. I do not know its shelf life.
2007-06-29 05:03:12 · answer #1 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is easy to dilute strong acid (add slowly to water, not the other way around). So, buy strong acid and dilute as needed. Make 2 or 3 dilutions and try them out or bring the rock samples to lab and try them out.
Not a geologist so can't give u more precise advice.
2007-06-29 05:08:10 · answer #2 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there
u don't have to spend money
i don't know were r u from
but basically u buy the most ordinarie hydrochloric acid
ones u c bubbles show on the stone u have the answer
u see the presence of calcium carbonate
good luck
2007-06-29 05:12:48 · answer #3 · answered by armand k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋