sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Carbonate sedimentary rock (CaCO3) with bioclasts
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, or light tan; Luster: Dull to earthy; Texture: Fine-grained matrix containing visible fossil fragments; Composition: Primarily calcite.
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, cream, or light tan
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
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: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, or light tan; Luster: Dull to earthy; Texture: Fine-grained matrix containing visible fossil fragments; Composition: Primarily calcite.
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow, calm, warm marine waters from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. Over millions of years, these organic remains are lithified into solid rock.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as a building material, in the production of cement and lime, as road base, and as a collector's specimen for paleontology enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks. It is essential for the formation of cave systems through the process of chemical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identified by visible fossil fragments and its reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid (it will fizz). Commonly found in areas that were formerly ancient seabeds, such as the Midwestern United States or parts of Europe.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary