Glossary of Terms

Carbonates

Mineral group whose members contain one or more metallic elements plus the carbonate radical (CO₃). Most carbonates are lightly colored and transparent when pure. All carbonates are soft, brittle, and effervesce when exposed to hydrochloric acid. The carbonates are divided into the Calcite Group and the Aragonite Group.
The Nitrates and Borates groups are occasionally classified as a subcategory of the carbonates.