sedimentary
Fossiliferous limestone
Bioclastic limestone, composed mainly of calcite (CaCO₃) and fossil fragments
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale cream to gray, rough and porous, with visible shell or skeletal fragments; calcite has Mohs hardness 3 and a vitreous to dull luster. The image does not show enough detail to determine its precise fossil content or mineral proportions.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Fossiliferous limestone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Pale cream to gray, rough and porous, with visible shell or skeletal fragments; calcite has Mohs hardness 3 and a vitreous to dull luster. The image does not show enough detail to determine its precise fossil content or mineral proportions.
Formation & geological history
Forms when marine shells and other carbonate remains accumulate and become compacted and cemented on the seafloor. Its age and exact depositional setting cannot be established from the photograph.
Uses & applications
Limestone is widely used for cement, aggregate, building stone, and agricultural lime; fossil-rich pieces are also collected as decorative or educational specimens.
Geological facts
Many limestones preserve abundant fossils, recording ancient marine ecosystems.
Field identification & locations
Look for embedded shell-like fragments and fizzing under a drop of dilute acid, a reaction typical of calcite-rich limestone. Limestone occurs worldwide, especially in former marine sedimentary basins.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary