The Carbonate Test is an analytical procedure used in inorganic chemistry to detect the presence of carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) in salts such as sodium carbonate. It involves preliminary solubility checks followed by confirmatory reactions using reagents like hydrochloric acid, mercuric chloride, and magnesium sulfate. The test identifies carbonate ions through characteristic reactions such as carbon dioxide gas evolution and precipitate formation, enabling classification of salts and verification of carbonate-containing compounds.