Carbonates in marble

FIGURE 16.8 The calcium carbonate in marble and limestone is very slightly soluble in neutral water. Its solubility is much greater in acidic water. Objects carved of these materials dissolve relatively rapidly in areas where rain, snow, or fog is acidified from air pollution. Shown here is the damage to a marble statue of George Washington between 1935 (left) and 1994 (right). 

The increased acidity of the rain leads to many problems. For example, the acids in acid rain react with the calcium carbonate in marble statues and buildings, causing them to dissolve. (Marble is compressed hmestone, which is composed of calcium carbonate, CaCO (s).)... 

In contrast to its organic compounds, carbon s inorganic compounds are simple. Metal carbonates in marble, limestone, chalk, and coral occur in enormous deposits throughout the world. Carbonates are used in some antacids because they react with the HCl in stomach acid ... 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

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