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What is limestones?
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. The calcium in the bones & shells combines with Carbon Dioxide in the water to boom Calcium Carbonate which is the basic mineral structure of all Limestone Limestone are typically used for flooring, wall cladding, vanity tops etc.
Limestone is essentially a Dolomite stone, it shows high resistance in freezing and thawing conditions, which indicate that it can be used in any atmospheric condition without getting affected. Compressive strength of Limestone is 30,000 lbs./ sq. inch, which is the highest strength among the available stone category and can carry a suitable load. |
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list of limestone
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Hyderabad Black |
JAISALMER YELLOW |
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Kota Blue |
KOTA HONEY |
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Kota Brown |
NATURAL KOTA BLUE |
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Kota Multi |
POLISHED KOTA BLUE |
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Kota Pink |
NATURAL KOTA BROWN |
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N Mix |
POLISHED KOTA BROWN |
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NATURAL BLACK MAGIC |
POLISHED BLACK MAGIC |
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Green Limestone |
Pink Limestone |
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Cuddapa Blue |
Shabab Yellow |
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Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate: CaCO3). Limestone often contains variable amounts of silica in the form of chert or flint, as well as varying amounts of clay, silt and sand as disseminations, nodules, or layers within the rock. The primary source of the calcite in limestone 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 or alternatively is conglomerated in a coral reef (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. Another form taken by calcite is that of oolites (oolitic limestone) which can be recognised by its granular appearance. Limestone makes up about 10% of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks.
Pure limestone is 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 massive, depending on the method of formation. Crystals of calcite, quartz, dolomite or barite may line small cavities in the rock. Folk and Dunham classifications are used to describe limestones more precisely.
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. Coquina is a poorly consolidated limestone composed of pieces of coral or shells.
During regional metamorphism that occurs during the mountain building process (orogeny) limestone recrystallizes into marble.
Limestone is a parent material of Mollisol soil group. |
 Uses of limestone
Limestone is especially popular in architecture, and many landmarks around the world, especially in North America and Europe, are made primarily of the material. So many buildings in Kingston, Ontario, Canada were constructed from it, that it was nicknamed the 'Limestone City'. Limestone is readily available and relatively easy to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving. It is also long-lasting and stands up well to exposure. However, it is a very heavy material, making it impractical for tall buildings. It is also quite expensive.
Limestone was most popular in the early 20th and late 19th centuries. Train stations, banks and other structures from that era are normally made of limestone. Limestone is used as a facade on some skyscrapers, but only in thin plates for covering rather than solid blocks. In the United States, Indiana, most notably the Bloomington area, has long been a source of high quality quarried limestone, called Indiana limestone.[2] Many famous buildings in London are built from Portland limestone. |
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Limestone was also a very popular building block in the middle ages in the areas where it occurred since it is hard, durable, and commonly occurs in easily accessible surface exposures. Many medieval churches and castles in Europe are made of limestone. Beer stone was a popular kind of limestone for medieval buildings in southern England.
Limestone and marble are very reactive to acid solutions, making acid rain a significant problem. Many limestone statues and building surfaces have suffered severe damage due to acid rain. Acid-based cleaning chemicals can also etch limestone, which should only be cleaned with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner.
limestone uses include:
the manufacture of quicklime (calcium oxide) and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide)
cement and mortar
pulverized limestone is used as a soil conditioner to neutralize acid soil conditions
crushed for use as aggregate - the solid base for many roads
geological formations of limestone are among the best petroleum reservoirs
as a reagent in desulphurization
glass making
toothpaste |
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Granite