sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) with fossil inclusions
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale, Color: Light grey, tan, or buff, Luster: Dull to earthy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (calcite matrix), Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite crystals, Specific Gravity: 2.7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale, Color: Light grey, tan, or buff, Luster: Dull to earthy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (calcite matrix), Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite crystals, Specific Gravity: 2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow, warm marine environments through the accumulation and compaction of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris, often dating from the Paleozoic to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, cement production, road aggregate, and as building stone.
Geological facts
Limestone often preserves ancient marine life, providing crucial evidence of prehistoric ecosystems and past climates.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its effervescence (bubbling) when a weak acid like vinegar is applied, and often displays visible fossil fragments.
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