Being composed of calcium carbonate marble will react in contact with many acids neutralizing the acid.
Marble chemical formula acid.
A chemical reaction equation 9 between calcium carbonate and sulfuric acid the primary acid component of acid rain results in the dissolution of caco.
Acid rain contains sulfuric acid which reacts with calcium carbonate to create aqueous ions.
Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.
However since the onset of acid rain these materials are at risk from erosion.
When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.
Although these are recognized as highly durable materials buildings and outdoor monuments made of marble and limestone are now being gradually eroded away by acid rain.
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals most commonly calcite or dolomite marble is typically not foliated although there are exceptions in geology the term marble refers to metamorphosed limestone but its use in stonemasonry more broadly encompasses unmetamorphosed limestone.
38 42 lime cao 20 25 silica sio2 2 4 alumina al2o3 1 5 2 5 various oxides nao and mgo and 30 32.
It happens on the surface of the marble or limestone and the fine details on the facade of the structures made with them are being lost.
It is one of the most effective acid neutralization materials.
Marble is commonly used for sculpture and as a building material.
Marble is often crushed and used for acid neutralization in streams lakes and soils.
In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details.
How does this happen.