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Which metamorphic rock bubbles when tested with hydrochloric acid?

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Final answer:

Marble, which is a metamorphosed form of limestone, will bubble when tested with dilute hydrochloric acid due to its calcite (CaCO₃) content. This fizzing is a visual cue that calcite is reacting with the HCl to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The metamorphic rock that bubbles when tested with hydrochloric acid (HCl) is marble. Marble is a metamorphosed form of limestone which is composed predominantly of the mineral calcite (CaCO₃). When calcite comes into contact with dilute hydrochloric acid, it reacts and produces carbon dioxide gas, which is observed as fizzing or bubbling. Limestone also fizzes with HCl, but when limestone is subjected to metamorphism, it becomes marble which retains this characteristic reaction. The presence of chert in limestone or marble can sometimes prevent it from fizzing unless scratched first due to the very hard silica coating.'

Marble is often associated with mountain building processes and high pressures and temperatures during the metamorphism of limestone. It is essential to remember that other minerals like dolomite can also cause a fizzing reaction, but it is slower and less vigorous than the reaction with calcite.

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