sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) with Biogenic Inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale), Color: Cream, tan, or light gray, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline calcite), Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite crystals but often obscured by fossils.
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: Cream, tan, or light gray, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline calcite), Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite crystals but often obscured by fossils.
Formation & geological history
Formed in warm, shallow marine environments through the accumulation of skeletal remains from marine organisms such as mollusks, corals, and crinoids, typically dating from the Paleozoic to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used in construction (building stone/aggregate), agriculture (soil conditioner), cement production, and as an ornamental stone in landscaping or interior design.
Geological facts
Limestone covers about 10% of the total surface area of all continents. The Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are constructed primarily from fossiliferous limestone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for visible shell fragments or coral imprints. It will effervesce (fizz) strongly when a drop of diluted hydrochloric acid is applied due to its calcite content.
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