what kind of mineral or rock is white to grey with a little bit of yellow and texture like marble
The description provided sounds similar to a mineral known as dolomite. Dolomite is a white to gray mineral with a little bit of yellow and can have a texture similar to marble. It is composed mainly of the mineral dolomite, which is a carbonate mineral and a form of calcium magnesium carbonate. Dolomite is often found in sedimentary rocks and is commonly used as a construction and ornamental stone.
The mineral or rock that is white to grey with a little bit of yellow and texture similar to marble is most likely a type of limestone called "marble." Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite or dolomite minerals. It is known for its smooth texture and various colors, including shades of white, gray, and yellow. The yellow hue could be due to impurities or the presence of other minerals.
Based on your description, the mineral or rock that matches these characteristics is likely to be calcite. Calcite is a carbonate mineral that often occurs as white to gray, and sometimes exhibits a yellowish tint. It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, including limestone and marble. The texture of calcite can resemble that of marble, with a smooth and sometimes slightly granular appearance.
To verify the identification of the mineral or rock, you can perform a few simple tests.
1. Hardness: Calcite has a Mohs hardness of 3, which means it can be scratched by a copper penny but not by a steel knife. You can try to scratch the specimen with different objects of known hardness to determine if it matches the hardness of calcite.
2. Reactivity to acid: Calcite reacts readily with weak acids like vinegar or lemon juice, producing an effervescent (fizzy) reaction. You can place a small amount of the specimen in a container and add a few drops of acid to see if it bubbles or fizzes.
3. Density: Calcite has a relatively low density compared to other minerals. You can use a scale to weigh the specimen and then divide the weight by its volume (measured by water displacement) to calculate its density. The density of calcite is around 2.71 grams per cubic centimeter.
By performing these tests or consulting a professional mineralogist, you can determine with more certainty whether the rock or mineral in question is indeed calcite.