what does the acid test tell you about a mineral?
At first it can just tell you if a sample is basic or not. With a few tests of acid at different strengths and with different acids practice you can learn to estimate how basic a sample is. It can be useful if you have an idea of what a mineral is and the choices include a mineral that is basic and a mineral that is not.
If it fizzes a lot after a rock has been scratched and then dilute hydrochloric acid is dropped onto it, the main mineral is calcite, which is what forms limestone. Dolomite can fizz some, just not as much.
it tells you how acidic it is (best answer?) ok then why did you ask?
You can try Shout, dish soap (very little), or Purple Power driveway cleaner. That stuff is great in the wash (and there are directions for it on the bottle).
