Limestone
Limestone
Limestone (/ˈlaɪmstoʊn/) is a type of sedimentary rock that is mainly composed of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3).
Etymology
The term "limestone" is derived from the Latin "lapis calaminaris", meaning "stone of lime". It was first used in English in the late 14th century.
Description
Limestone is usually formed in clear, warm, shallow marine waters. It is usually an organic sedimentary rock that forms from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. It can also be a chemical sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lake or ocean water.
Types of Limestone
There are several types of limestone, including:
- Chalk: A soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite.
- Coquina: A type of limestone composed mostly of fossilized shells.
- Travertine: A form of limestone deposited by mineral springs.
- Tufa: A variety of limestone, formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from ambient temperature water bodies.
Uses of Limestone
Limestone has numerous uses: as a building material, as aggregate for the base of roads, as white pigment or filler in products such as toothpaste or paints, and as a chemical feedstock.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Limestone
- Wikipedia's article - Limestone
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