What happens when a piece of calcite is struck by a hammer?
1 Answer
Mar 10, 2016
It will generally break into little rhombs.
Explanation:
Cleavage is how a rock will break and is a function of its crystal structure. The cleavage of calcite is usually in three directions parallel to the rhombohedron form. So, when struck by a hammer it will generally break into little rhombs.
Calcite is also very soft compared to the steel of a rock hammer, so breaks easily. Calcite also reacts vigorously with a fizzzzzz when you put weak acid on it.