sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, or light tan; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Features: High porosity and contains visible fossil imprints or voids.
- Hardness
- 3 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, cream, or light tan
- Luster
- Dull to earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, or light tan; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Features: High porosity and contains visible fossil imprints or voids.
Formation & geological history
Formed in marine environments through the accumulation of shell, coral, and algal debris. The holes indicate biological activity or the leaching of minerals over millions of years (Paleozoic to Cenozoic eras).
Uses & applications
Used primarily in the construction industry as an aggregate, architectural stone, or for the production of lime and cement. Small specimens are popular for amateur fossil collecting.
Geological facts
Limestone covers about 10% of the Earth's total land surface. This specific piece shows 'vuggy' porosity, common in weathered coastal or riverbed specimens.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking for a reaction (fizzing) with diluted hydrochloric acid. Commonly found near ancient seabeds, riverbanks, or quarries. Look for small holes or impressions of organic life.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary