Limestone

Limestone is a type of rock made up mostly of calcite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate. Most limestone is grey, but all colours of limestone from white to black have been found.

All limestone are formed when the calcium carbonate crystallises out of solution. It leaves the solution in many ways, and each way produces a different kind of limestone.

Limestone can be formed almost completely without the aid of organisms. This type of limestone is forced out of solution when the water evaporates.

Evaporation of water in limestone caverns forms another variety of limestone, called travertine, into stalactites and stalagmites.

Some limestone can be formed by the work of organisms. Many aquatic organisms draw calcium carbonate out of the water and use it to make their shells and bones. The oysters, clams, snails, corals, and sea urchins do this. When the animals die the shells and bones are broken up by waves into shell and coral sand and mud.

Limestone makes an excellent building stone because it can be carved easily. Some factories use limestone to clean waste gases and water before releasing them into the environment. Limestone is also used to make lime and to smelt iron ore.

Limestone 1 :

Limestone is typically formed over many years at the bottom of oceans or lakes from the accumulation of shells, bones and other calcium rich goods. If this limestone is subjected to intense heat or pressure and a few millennium, a crystallization will occur and the limestone will become a "true marble". Chemically they are both still Calcium Carbonate (TUMS), but the marble will have a crystalline structure and the limestone will have relatively flat appearance.

Limestones that will take a polish are considered marbles by most people, but technically, if there are still shells visible or the structure is not crystalline, it is still a limestone.

Limestone that have magnesium in them are called"dolomitic limestones" and are typically much harder and more resistant to weathering. A typical characteristic of dolomitic limestones are their capability of taking a flame finish.

Limestones are typically used for flooring, wall cladding, vanity tops, furniture, and often times ornate stonework.