
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Biogenic Sedimentary Rock (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3 on Mohs scale, typically gray or brown, dull to earthy luster, composed mainly of calcite and fossil fragments with no notable cleavage.
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
Hardness of 3 on Mohs scale, typically gray or brown, dull to earthy luster, composed mainly of calcite and fossil fragments with no notable cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation and compaction of organic carbonate debris and shells in shallow marine environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, cement production, dimension stone, and as a raw material in agriculture and industry.
Geological facts
Limestone formations often preserve ancient marine life and can make up massive geological structures like the White Cliffs of Dover.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its effervescence when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid; found globally in regions with ancient shallow seas.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary