Question

What mineral fizzes when in contact with hydrochloric acid

Answer 1

Answer:

Calcite

Explanation:

Calcite, whose composition is CaCO3, has the amazing ability to fizz  in contact with hydrochloric acid.

From the geological point of view, this test is commonly performed to differentiate calcite from other minerals of similar color, brightness and habit. Do not confuse calcite with aragonite that also reacts in this way against HCl.

On the other hand we can analyze this experiment from the chemical point of view, since the following chemical reaction takes place:

CaCO3 + 2HCl -> CaCl2 + H2O + CO2

The products of the reaction are released in liquid form (water with dissolved CaCl2), and in bubbles of carbon dioxide gas.