What glass is best at resisting acids when dissolving?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of different types of glass, particularly borosilicate and silicate glass, for resisting various acids when dissolving rocks. Participants explore the implications of using different acids and the chemical interactions involved in the dissolution process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a specific type of borosilicate glass can resist all acids sufficiently for dissolving rocks.
  • Another participant notes that while silicate glass generally performs well with most acids, it is not resistant to hydrofluoric acid, highlighting the importance of the acids' varying properties.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether borosilicate glass is sufficient or if a different silicate container is needed.
  • It is suggested that all laboratory glass, being SiO2 based, should generally be adequate for acid use, though differences may exist.
  • One participant introduces the idea that counter ions can significantly affect solubility in acids, indicating that the specific acid used may influence the dissolution process.
  • Another participant emphasizes that dissolving minerals may require specific acid mixtures and conditions, suggesting that the topic is complex and extends beyond simple storage considerations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of borosilicate glass for various acids, and there is no consensus on the best approach for dissolving rocks, indicating multiple competing perspectives remain.

Contextual Notes

The discussion acknowledges the need for safety precautions when handling concentrated acids, but does not resolve the complexities of acid interactions or the specific requirements for dissolving different minerals.

SeekingKnowledge
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Is there a certain borosilicate that resists all types well enough to dissolve rocks in them?

Are there reasons to dissolve rocks in different types of acids to get a different result? Dissolving coal in sulfuric vs hydrochloric for instance, would you get a different residue/result?

Thank you for any help assisting this noob.
 
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Acids do have a common characteristic - they produce H+ when dissociating, and H+ is an oxidizing agent (mildly strong), but their other properties vary, which often makes one better for a specific task than others.

Silicate glass is in general good for all acids with an exception of hydrofluoric. That's an example of where the 'other properties' come into play.
 
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Borek said:
Acids do have a common characteristic - they produce H+ when dissociating, and H+ is an oxidizing agent (mildly strong), but their other properties vary, which often makes one better for a specific task than others.

Silicate glass is in general good for all acids with an exception of hydrofluoric. That's an example of where the 'other properties' come into play.
Thank you for responding. I already have some borosilicate glassware, are you saying I just need specifically a silicate container?
 
SeekingKnowledge said:
Thank you for responding. I already have some borosilicate glassware, are you saying I just need specifically a silicate container?

No, I mean "any glass that is SiO2 based" - which in practice means all of them. Sure, there are differences, but as long as we are talking about laboratory glass (as opposed to "any glass container sold for general public") they shouldn't matter.

Disclaimer: all possible warnings about concentrated acids go here, they are dangerous, corrosive, some are especially toxic and they all require care/proper setup/proper hardware. To avoid the risk: learn the rules, play by them.
 
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Counter ion makes a huge difference. Most sulfates are soluble as chlorides, but a lot of sulfates aren't soluble as chlorides (just to use your example?. This will affect solubility in acid if there isn't another dissolution pathway, i.e. hydrogen gas formation.
 
SeekingKnowledge said:
Is there a certain borosilicate that resists all types well enough to dissolve rocks in them?
Dissolving or selectively dissolving or breaking up minerals may require specific mixtures of acids, at specific pressures and temperatures. Unless you are working exclusively with the good old and trivial limestone, the process is a far broader topic than just 'storage': especially if safety is properly accounted.

Take care.
 

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