answersLogoWhite

0

Limestone is what?

Updated: 2/28/2022
User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

Best Answer

Limestone:

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate: CaCO3). A type of limestone known as dolomite is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate CaMg(CO3)2 . Millions of shelled creatures die in the seas and their bodies fall to the ocean floor. Calcium carbonate is the largest constituent of the shells of sea creatures. The soft parts are eaten or rot away and the shells remain. The shells are compressed into a hard mass that we call limestone.

Due to the method of formation describe above, there can be impurities mixed in with the limestone - sand, organic material etc. These change the texture and color.

Limestone can be dissolved and re-deposited by precipitation and groundwater flows. Acidic water passing through limestone beds can dissolve the calcium carbonate and precipitate it out as the temperature and acidity changes or the water evaporates. Stalactites and stalagmites are formed in this manner.

Uses for limestone:

  • Glass making
  • Ingredient in toothpaste
  • Bread and cereals as a source of calcium
  • Making paper white
  • Sugar purification
  • Making brake pads
  • Preparation of wools and dyes
  • Climbing walls
  • A suppression of methane explosions in underground coalmines
  • Manufacturing of quicklime (calcium oxide) and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide).
  • Manufacturing of steel
  • Lower water pH
  • Food preservation
User Avatar

Sister Little

Lvl 13
2y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Limestone is what?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How is cement formed from limestone?

cement is formed from limestone by combustion of limestone ( heating of the limestone)!


How is concrete formed from limestone?

concrete is formed from limestone by the combustion of the limestone (heating of the limestone)!


What is limestone cave formed of?

Limestone and limestone formations.


Who is limestone man?

limestone man is a man made out of limestone.


What is the bust of Queen Nefertiti made of?

limestone


What gave limestone the name limestone?

Limestone is called limestone because it has lime in it from the sea water it if formed in.


What is a limestone peddler?

A person who sells limestone,


What types of bedrock are dissolved most easily by running water?

Limestone and Marble Limestone and Marble


What is sedimentary rock formed by shells?

Limestone can be formed partly or mostly by visible shell fragments. .


How does limestone effect the towncity?

limestone can be critically empact on the city. limestone can be critically empact on the city. limestone can be critically empact on the city.


What is an example of a sentence using the word limestone?

Indiana has a limestone quarry. The outside of the house is limestone.


Is dolomitic limestone same as agricultural limestone or horticultural hydrated limestone?

dolomitic limestone is different from agricultural or hydrated limestone the difference is in the MgO content and hardness Dolomitic Limestone is harder than both and its MgO content is higher. The CaO is lower in Dolomitic limestone and High in the later.