sedimentary
Limestone with fossiliferous textures
Bioclastic Limestone (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 (Mohs Scale), Color: Creamy white to tan/brownish, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as calcite), Cleavage: Rhombohedral (microscopic), Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 (Mohs Scale), Color: Creamy white to tan/brownish, Luster: Dull/Earthy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (as calcite), Cleavage: Rhombohedral (microscopic), Specific Gravity: 2.3-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow marine environments from the accumulation of skeletal fragments of marine organisms like coral, foraminifera, and mollusks over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as a building material, aggregate for concrete, and in the production of cement and lime. Also used for soil acidity neutralization in agriculture.
Geological facts
Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks. It is the primary rock type found in karst landscapes, leading to the formation of extensive cave systems.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its porous/vuggy texture and its reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid (it will fizz). Often contains visible fossils or imprints. Common in areas that were once prehistoric seafloors.
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