How does H2SO4 damage buildings made of Marble?
Buildings made of marble stone can be damaged by exposure to Sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Marble stone is calcium carbonate (CaCo3). Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with calcium carbonate to produce calcium sulphate (CaSO4), carbon dioxide and water. As a result, buildings made of marble stone are damaged by exposure to sulfuric acid.
CaCO3 + H2SO4 = CaSO4 ↓ + CO2 + H2O
But, the solid CaSO4 forms a layer on the marble stone and the acid cannot come in contact with the marble stone. As a result, the reaction stops.
Thus, damage does not increase after the building is initially damaged. But once the layer of CaSO4 is removed, the sulfuric acid will react with the marble again and damage the building.