sedimentary
Fossiliferous limestone
Bioclastic limestone, containing a fossil shell or coral fragment
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray, fine-grained carbonate rock with a visible rounded fossil inclusion. Calcite composition (CaCO₃); hardness about 3 Mohs, typically dull to slightly crystalline, with calcite’s rhombohedral 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
Gray, fine-grained carbonate rock with a visible rounded fossil inclusion. Calcite composition (CaCO₃); hardness about 3 Mohs, typically dull to slightly crystalline, with calcite’s rhombohedral cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed as carbonate mud and shell material accumulated in a marine environment, then compacted and cemented. The specimen’s age cannot be determined from the image alone.
Uses & applications
Limestone is used for cement, aggregate, building stone, and agricultural lime; fossil-bearing pieces are mainly collected or displayed.
Geological facts
The circular feature may be a fossil, but its identity is not clear enough to determine from this image.
Field identification & locations
Look for calcite-rich texture and fossil outlines; a drop of dilute acid typically fizzes on limestone. Fossiliferous limestone occurs in sedimentary basins worldwide.
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