sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Limestone (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to reddish-brown, Luster: dull to earthy, Structure: clastic/biogenic containing fossil fragments, Cleavage: poor/none
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: tan to reddish-brown, Luster: dull to earthy, Structure: clastic/biogenic containing fossil fragments, Cleavage: poor/none
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow, warm marine environments where biological debris like shell fragments and skeletal remains accumulate and are compressed over millions of years. Common in Paleozoic to Mesozoic strata.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, cement production, agriculture for soil pH balance, and as decorative stone in landscaping. High-quality fossil specimens are used for educational purposes and private collections.
Geological facts
Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks on Earth. This specific specimen appears to contain crinoid or shell fragments embedded in a micritic matrix.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its reaction (fizzing) with dilute hydrochloric acid and the presence of visible fossil remains or casts. Commonly found in road cuts, riverbeds, and cliffsides in karst regions.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary