Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It can form from the accumulation of the shells of marine organisms such as coral, foraminifera, and mollusks, as well as from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from groundwater.
Limestone is a versatile rock that has a wide range of uses due to its chemical and physical properties. It is widely used as a building material and as a raw material in the manufacture of cement, lime, and other products. It is also used in agriculture as a soil conditioner, and in the construction industry as a base material for roads, foundations, and walls.
The color of limestone can vary from white to gray, yellow to brown, and even black. The rock can be composed of a single type of mineral, such as calcite, or it can be composed of a mixture of minerals such as calcite, aragonite, and dolomite.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is prone to physical and chemical weathering, which can result in the formation of caves, sinkholes, and other karst landscapes. It is also a common source of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, which are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried in limestone sediment.