Description
A fine-grain, sedimentary rock. Limestone is composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite or aragonite. Trace amounts of dolomite, iron oxide, quartz, clay, or organic particles can also be present. Due to these impurities, limestone can vary in color from a cream to yellow to pink to brown to dark gray. Limestone is formed from compressed and cemented seashells and marine animal skeletons (reefs) or reprecipitation (stalactites, stalagmites). It is softer and more easily worked than marble. Chalk is a soft, porous, fine-grain limestone. Coquina is a porous, soft limestone made up of visible shell fragments. Limestone is used as a building stone and for sculpture as well as in the manufacture of lime, carbon dioxide, and cement.
Synonyms and Related Terms
quina; caliza (Esp.); calcaire (Fr.); calcário (Port.); Kalkstein (Deut.); kalksteen (Ned.)
| CaCO3 |
| 1317-65-3 |
| 3.0 - 4.0 |
| 2.1-2.7 |
Other Properties
Soluble in acids with the evolution of carbon dioxide gas.
Hazards and Safety
No significant hazard. Noncombustible.
Additional Information
B.Aston, J.Harrell, I.Shaw, "Stone" in Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology, P.Nicholson, I.Shaw (eds.), Cambridge University Press, 2000, p. 40-43.
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Last updated on: 7/11/2009 7:04:42 AM
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