sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone with Coral Imprint
Fossiliferous Limestone (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey to light tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Massive with organic inclusions; Effervesces in dilute hydrochloric acid due to calcite content.
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grey to light tan
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey to light tan; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Massive with organic inclusions; Effervesces in dilute hydrochloric acid due to calcite content.
Formation & geological history
Formed in warm, shallow marine environments where organic remains (like coral or shells) accumulated and were lithified over millions of years, often dating from the Paleozoic to Mesozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in the construction industry as crushed stone, in the manufacture of cement, and as a soil conditioner in agriculture. Fossiliferous specimens are popular for educational purposes and amateur rock collecting.
Geological facts
This specimen contains a rugose or tabulate coral fossil imprint. Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks on Earth and is the primary source of carbon for the global cycle.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for visible skeletal remains or imprints within a fine-grained matrix. It is commonly found in areas that were prehistoric seabeds, such as the Midwestern United States or the Jurassic Coast of the UK.
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