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Limestone rock is primarily composed of calcium carbonate and has many uses in NZ, for example in fertiliser production and 'shingle' paving.
Sedimentary: Forms from accumulated shell, corals and other organic sediments (therefore technically an 'organic sedimentary' rock).
Source location: Canterbury.
Sizes: Choose from dropdown menu either Shelf specimen (300–800g), or Hand specimen (less than 300g)
Note: Images are examples of specimens only. Sizes and shapes will vary.
More detail
A sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate. It forms from the accumulation of shell, coral, and other organic remains, as well as the precipitation of minerals from water.
Organic sedimentary.
- Colour: Can exhibit various colours, including white, cream, beige, grey, or yellow.
- Lustre: Often has a dull lustre.
- Hardness: Hardness ranging from 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching.
- Density: Ranges from 2.3 to 2.7 grams per cubic centimetre.
- Cleavage: Has poor to fair cleavage, breaking with irregular or shell-like fragments.
- Fossil Content: Often contains fossilised remains of marine organisms, such as shells, corals, and algae.
- Porosity: Generally porous, allowing it to absorb and hold water.
- Solubility: Soluble in water, particularly in acidic water, which can lead to the formation of caves and sinkholes.
- Formation: Forms in marine environments, as well as in freshwater lakes and caves through precipitation.
- Reaction to Acid: Reacts with acid, e.g. white vinegar, producing carbon dioxide gas and effervescence.
- Construction: Used as a construction material for buildings, walls, facades, and paving due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, for example Ōamaru Stone.
- Lime Production: Heated to produce lime, which is used in cement, mortar, and other construction materials.
- Agricultural Soil Amendment: Ground limestone is used as a soil amendment to neutralise acidity and provide essential nutrients to crops.
- Flux in Metallurgy: Acts as a flux in the smelting process, aiding in the removal of impurities during metal production.
- Dimension Stone: Cut and shaped into slabs or blocks for use in countertops, flooring, and decorative elements.
- Chemical Industry: Used in the production of chemicals, such as calcium carbonate, calcium oxide, and calcium hydroxide.
- Environmental Applications: Used for flue gas desulfurisation in power plants and as a neutralising agent in acid mine drainage.
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