
sedimentary
Tumbled fossiliferous limestone
Micritic limestone, likely bioclastic/fossiliferous carbonate rock (predominantly CaCO₃)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectBrown, smoothly polished, dull-to-waxy luster with abundant small fossil or pore-like cavities; hardness about 3–4 Mohs, massive and non-cleavable. Likely reacts weakly to strongly with dilute hydrochloric acid, especially on a fresh surface.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Tumbled fossiliferous limestone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Brown, smoothly polished, dull-to-waxy luster with abundant small fossil or pore-like cavities; hardness about 3–4 Mohs, massive and non-cleavable. Likely reacts weakly to strongly with dilute hydrochloric acid, especially on a fresh surface.
Formation & geological history
Forms from lithified carbonate mud and accumulated marine skeletal material, commonly during Paleozoic–Mesozoic marine sedimentation; the exact age cannot be determined from the photograph. Tumbled and polished after collection.
Uses & applications
Used as a decorative stone, paperweight, teaching specimen, and occasional lapidary material; generally unsuitable for durable jewelry because limestone is relatively soft and acid-sensitive.
Geological facts
The rounded holes may be fossil fragments, dissolved shell cavities, or secondary vugs rather than true vesicles. Brown coloration commonly comes from iron-bearing impurities or organic matter.
Field identification & locations
Look for carbonate reaction, visible shell textures, and a calcite-rich composition; distinguish it from volcanic rock by its softness and lack of igneous crystals. Common sources include marine limestone regions worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary