sedimentary
Limestone (River Stone)
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs); Color: Grey with visible bedding planes; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Fine-grained clastic/biogenic; Cleavage: None/Irregular
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs)
- Color
- Grey with visible bedding planes
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Limestone (River Stone) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs); Color: Grey with visible bedding planes; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Fine-grained clastic/biogenic; Cleavage: None/Irregular
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow marine environments from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. This specimen has been rounded by fluvial (water) erosion.
Uses & applications
Construction material, crushed stone for road base, cement manufacturing, soil conditioner, and decorative landscaping.
Geological facts
Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks. It often contains fossils of ancient marine organisms.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its grey color and faint layering (bedding). It will react and fizz (effervesce) if exposed to a drop of weak acid such as vinegar.
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
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary