Limestone

Limestone (CaCO3) is a sedimentary rock composed of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). The primary source of this calcite is most commonly marine organisms. 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). Secondary calcite may also be deposited by supersaturated meteoric waters (groundwater that precipitates the material in caves). This produces speleothems such as stalagmites and stalactites. A further form is composed of oolites (Oolitic Limestone) and can be recognised by its granular appearance. Limestone makes up about 10 percent of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks.

Related Topics:
Sedimentary rock - Mineral - Calcite - Marine organisms - Ocean - Pelagic - Lysocline - Supersaturated - Meteoric - Groundwater - Precipitates - Cave - Speleothem - Stalagmite - Stalactite - Oolites

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Pure limestones are white or almost white. Because of impurities, such as clay, sand, organic remains, iron oxide and other materials, many limestones exhibit different colors, especially on weathered surfaces. Limestone may be crystalline, clastic, granular, or dense, depending on the method of formation. Crystals of calcite, quartz, dolomite or barite may line small cavities in the rock. Chert or Flint nodules are common in limestone layers.

Related Topics:
Clay - Iron oxide - Weathered - Quartz - Dolomite - Barite - Chert - Flint

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Travertine is a banded, compact variety of limestone formed along streams, particularly where there are waterfalls and around hot or cold springs. Calcium carbonate is deposited where evaporation of the water leaves a solution that is supersaturated with chemical constituents of calcite. Tufa, a porous or cellular variety of travertine, is found near waterfalls.

Related Topics:
Travertine - Hot - Tufa

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Limestone is a parent material of Mollisols.

Related Topics:
Parent material - Mollisols

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