sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Calcite (CaCO3) matrix with biogenic fragments
Mohs hardness 3, gray to dark charcoal color, dull to earthy luster, fine-grained matrix containing visible lighter fossil or shell fragments, effervesces strongly in dilute hydrochloric acid.
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
Mohs hardness 3, gray to dark charcoal color, dull to earthy luster, fine-grained matrix containing visible lighter fossil or shell fragments, effervesces strongly in dilute hydrochloric acid.
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow, warm marine environments through the accumulation and compaction of organic debris, shell fragments, and precipitated calcium carbonate over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, road base material, dimension stone, lime production, cement manufacturing, and collected by paleontology enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Fossiliferous limestones preserve ancient marine ecosystems, offering scientists critical clues about past ocean environments, climates, and evolutionary history.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its gray matrix containing lighter organic shapes/fossils and reaction to acid. Commonly found in exposed bedrock, quarries, and coastal cliffs worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary