sedimentary
Limestone with Lichen/Moss
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, white, buff with green organic growths; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None/Irregular
- Hardness
- 3-4 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grey, white, buff with green organic growths
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, white, buff with green organic growths; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None/Irregular
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow, warm marine waters from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. It is a biochemical sedimentary rock that can range from Cambrian to Holocene in age.
Uses & applications
Primary use in construction as aggregate, cement production, soil treatment in agriculture, and as a dimension stone for architecture.
Geological facts
Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks. It is highly reactive to acid and is the primary rock type found in karst landscapes where caves form.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field using the 'acid test' (it bubbles when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid or vinegar). It is commonly found in outcrops, quarries, and road cuts in geologically stable regions.
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