sedimentary
Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically light gray to white or tan in color, dull to earthy luster, and reacts strongly with hydrochloric acid.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically light gray to white or tan in color, dull to earthy luster, and reacts strongly with hydrochloric acid.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation of skeletal fragments from marine organisms or chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate in shallow marine environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction as a building material, aggregate in concrete, and in the manufacture of lime, cement, and steel.
Geological facts
Limestone frequently contains well-preserved fossils of ancient marine life and makes up about 10 percent of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its pale color, fine-grained texture, and characteristic fizz when tested with a weak acid. Found globally in sedimentary basins and ancient sea beds.
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Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
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