sedimentary

Limestone with Calcite Veins

Sedimentary Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: Gray to brownish-gray with white veins; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (in veins); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite portions; Specific Gravity: 2.7

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale)
Color: Gray to brownish-gray with white veins
Luster: Dull/Earthy

Identified April 11, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Limestone with Calcite Veins in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in marine environments through the accumulation of shell, coral, and algal debris. The white veins are secondary calcite deposits that filled fractures within the rock after it solidified.

Uses & applications

Used in construction as aggregate, in cement manufacturing, as a soil conditioner in agriculture, and as a decorative stone when polished.

Geological facts

Limestone covers about 10% of the Earth's land surface and is the primary rock found in karst landscapes, which are famous for elaborate cave systems.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its softness (scratched by a copper penny or steel) and its rapid effervescence when exposed to a weak acid like vinegar. Common in ancient sea beds and mountain ranges.