Rock Identifier
Weathered limestone pebble (Micritic limestone, primarily calcite (CaCO₃)) — sedimentary
sedimentary

Weathered limestone pebble

Micritic limestone, primarily calcite (CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-green, rounded, fine-grained, and dull to slightly waxy; calcite hardness is Mohs 3, with no visible crystal structure and indistinct cleavage. The pale irregular patches may be fossil, mineralized, or weathered areas.

Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Weathered limestone pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Physical properties

Gray-green, rounded, fine-grained, and dull to slightly waxy; calcite hardness is Mohs 3, with no visible crystal structure and indistinct cleavage. The pale irregular patches may be fossil, mineralized, or weathered areas.

Formation & geological history

Formed from compacted carbonate mud or microscopic marine skeletal debris, commonly in shallow-marine settings; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the image. Rounding and surface alteration occurred during transport and weathering.

Uses & applications

Used as aggregate, cement and building stone; this small specimen has mainly educational or decorative value rather than jewelry value.

Geological facts

Limestone commonly effervesces with dilute hydrochloric acid, while dolostone reacts weakly unless powdered. The porous-looking pale area could represent a small fossil fragment or calcite-filled feature.

Field identification & locations

Common in sedimentary terrains worldwide, especially former seabeds. Identify it by its fine texture, relatively low hardness, and strong acid fizz; distinguish it from dolostone by testing powdered material.