Mineral group whose members contain one or more metallicelements 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 theCalcite Groupand the Aragonite Group. The Nitrates and Borates groups are occasionally classified as a subcategory of the carbonates.
Calcite is the Most Prevalent Member of the Carbonates.
