sedimentary
Limestone Pebble
Limestone (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: dirty white to light gray; Luster: dull/earthy; Crystal structure: many variations of Calcite/Aragonite; Specific Gravity: 2.3 to 2.7.
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- dirty white to light gray
- Luster
- dull/earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Limestone Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: dirty white to light gray; Luster: dull/earthy; Crystal structure: many variations of Calcite/Aragonite; Specific Gravity: 2.3 to 2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris in marine environments. It can also form through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lake or ocean water.
Uses & applications
Limestone is widely used in architecture and construction for cladding, aggregate for concrete, and as a base for many roads. It is also used in the manufacture of cement and lime.
Geological facts
A large portion of the Earth's surface consists of limestone; the Great Pyramid of Giza was originally encased in highly polished white limestone.
Field identification & locations
Check for a positive reaction (fizzing) with diluted hydrochloric acid or vinegar. Limestone often contains visible fossils. It is commonly found in riverbeds, quarries, and coastal areas.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
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 (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary