sedimentary
Pitted Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Mohs hardness around 3, dull to earthy luster, greyish color with distinct pitted or weathered cavities filled with fine reddish-brown sediment or soil. Reacts (fizzes) strongly with dilute hydrochloric acid.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness around 3, dull to earthy luster, greyish color with distinct pitted or weathered cavities filled with fine reddish-brown sediment or soil. Reacts (fizzes) strongly with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow marine environments through the accumulation and compaction of organic marine debris, calcite precipitation, and subsequent chemical or physical weathering causing pitted solution cavities.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as construction aggregate, soil conditioner in agriculture, cement production, and as landscape stone.
Geological facts
The pitted surface, often termed dissolution pitting or honeycomb weathering, occurs when acidic rainwater slowly dissolves localized areas of the carbonate mineral calcite.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its light grey tone, soft surface that can be scratched by steel, and pitted/pocked texture. Widespread across ancient seabed geological formations globally.
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