Rock Identifier
Fossiliferous Limestone (Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) with marine fossils) — fossil
fossil

Fossiliferous Limestone

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) with marine fossils

Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale. Color: Greyish-green to tan. Luster: Dull, earthy. Structure: Massive/biogenic sedimentary rock matrix containing fossil fragments. Cleavage: None (conchoidal to irregular fracture).

Hardness
3-4 on Mohs scale
Color
Greyish-green to tan
Luster
Dull, earthy
Identified More fossil
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Physical properties

Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale. Color: Greyish-green to tan. Luster: Dull, earthy. Structure: Massive/biogenic sedimentary rock matrix containing fossil fragments. Cleavage: None (conchoidal to irregular fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed in warm, shallow marine environments through the accumulation of organic debris such as coral, shell, and crinoid fragments over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in construction, cement production, soil conditioning, and as a popular decorative or educational specimen for fossil collectors.

Geological facts

Fossiliferous limestones often preserve ancient marine ecosystems, offering a window into prehistoric oceanic conditions and ancient lifeforms.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its reaction (fizzing) with dilute acid and the visible presence of fossilized marine organisms embedded in the fine-grained matrix.