What Are the Characteristics of Limestone.

If limestone experiences substantial pressure, it becomes the metamorphic rock marble.

Limestone is readily available and relatively easy to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving. This combination of chemical and mechanical weathering makes limestone very vulnerable to deterioration when exposed to the atmosphere.

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Limestone is also subject to mechanical weathering, especially in dry climates, by the abrasive action of wind carrying rock fragments and other debris. These organisms secrete shells that settle out of the water column and are deposited on ocean floors as pelagic ooze (see lysocline for information on calcite dissolution). The high porosity and cavities of limestone makes it an efficient aquifer for public water supplies in Texas, Ireland and worldwide. Limestone is a common type of sedimentary rock with a high calcium carbonate composition.

Limestone has a …

Due to its calcium content, limestone is a soft rock that erodes easily. It may contain considerable amounts of magnesium carbonate (dolomite) as well; minor constituents also commonly present include clay, iron carbonate, feldspar, pyrite, and quartz.

Limestone is a carbonate sedimentary rock that is often composed of the skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral, foraminifera, and molluscs. Limestone makes up approximately 10 percent of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks.

Limestone formations such as landscapes, caves and coral reefs make spectacular tourist attractions. When used as a building material, limestone has a graceful and attractive ageing process over centuries, despite its vulnerability to deterioration.

Crystals of calcite, quartz, dolomite or barite may line small cavities in the rock. Because of impurities, such as clay, sand, organic remains, iron oxide and other materials, many limestones exhibit different colours, especially on weathered surfaces.
Limestone has a variety of origins and may be precipitated in water or secreted by marine organisms such as coral; it also may consist of the shells of dead marine organisms. This produces speleothems such as stalagmites and stalactites.


Limestone is a common, chemical sedimentary rock formed primarily from calcium carbonate. Train stations, banks and other structures from that era are normally limestone. Copyright 2020 Perfect Granite and Marble Inc. All rights reserved.

Due to its calcium content, limestone is a soft rock that erodes easily.