In exposed areas of buildings and statues, we see roughened surfaces, removal of material, and loss of carved details. The pertinent reactions are given by: CaCO 3 + H 2 SO 4 CaSO 4 + H 2 O + CO 2. When sulfurous, sulfuric, and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone, the calcite dissolves. Limestone is composed almost entirely of calcite and will produce a vigorous fizz with a drop of hydrochloric acid. The dolomite analyzes 68.0 wt% CaCO 3, 30.0% MgCO 3 and 2.0% SiO 2 which is non-reactive gangue. Some rocks contain carbonate minerals, and the acid test can be used to help identify them. Is it possible to manufacture gypsum by reacting 98% sulfuric acid and limestone? LIMESTONE, DOLOSTONE, AND MARBLE. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. Another common reaction is the production of gypsum on the surface of the limestone that comes in contact with sulfuric acid. »More detailed. Dolostone is a rock composed of almost entirely of dolomite. Gypsum is soluble in water and often does not cling to the surface of a limestone rock; however, on buildings or statues that are partially sheltered, the gypsum may precipitate and form a crust on the rock. Most of the nitrogen and sulfur oxides result from human activities. Sulfuric acid forms when … acid in rainwater comes from its reaction … called gypsum. Sulfuric Acid’s Effects on Limestone | eHow.com. I am currently working on a project of producing gypsum from 98 % sulphuric acid and limestone . MgCO 3 + H 2 SO 4 MgSO 4 + H 2 O + CO 2. The acid contains 90 wt% H 2 SO 4 and 10% H 2 O. The Acid Test on Rocks. These compounds are strong acids and they are highly soluble in water and they dissolve in the water droplets within clouds. Acid rain is caused by the formation of nitric and sulfuric acids in our atmosphere. It is chiefly made of a chemical compound called calcium carbonate. Gypsum is soluble in water and often does not cling to the surface of a limestone rock; however, on buildings or statues that are partially sheltered, the gypsum may precipitate and form a crust on the rock. Another common reaction is the production of gypsum on the surface of the limestone that comes in contact with sulfuric acid. A plant makes liquid CO 2 by treating dolomitic limestone with commercial sulfuric acid.