A Sedimentary Rock Called Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different forms of calcium carbonate. The solubility of limestone in water and weak acid solutions leads to landscapes. Like most other sedimentary rocks, limestone is composed of grains. However, most grains in limestone are skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminera.

How does a Limestone look like?

 Limestone often contains variable amounts of silica or siliceous skeletal fragment carried by the rivers. The regions overlying the limestone bedrock tend to have fewer visible groundwater sources, as surface water easily drains downward through joints in the limestone. The primary source of limestone is commonly the marine organisms. These organisms secrete shells made of aragonite or calcite, and leave these shells behind after the organisms die. Some of these organisms can build a pile of rocks known as reefs.

In fact, in some locations where market conditions allow, limestone for collective is mined from underground mines. Mining is more costly than quarrying, the underground mining of mineral can be a mix of both economical and essential in some areas of the state. Some limestone is hauled out from many popular pits and quarries where nettle dumps and limestone bedrock are nearer to the ground surface. The mining process consists of breaking up the rock. And this breakup is done by detonating volatile set in blast holes. The rock face to be squalled is relatively 40-feet in width by 20 to 25 feet high.

Uses of Limestone

Limestone is commonly used in architecture, especially in Europe and North America. It is used in many landmarks across the world, including Great Pyramid, buildings in Kingston, Canada were constructed from it, that’s why it’s called “Limestone City’. On the island of Malta, a variety of limestone called Globigerina frequently used on all types of buildings and sculptures. The characteristic of a limestone is that, it is 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 hard material, making it impractical for tall buildings and infrastructures. In fact, limestone became popular in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Train stations, banks, and other structures from that time are made of limestone. Moreover, it is used as a wonderful façade on skyscrapers, however, only in thin plates for covering, rather than solid blocks.

Many well-known buildings in London are built from Portland limestone. And limestone was also famous building block in the Middle Ages in the areas where it occurred, since it is tough, durable, and frequently occurs in surfaces. On the other hand, many medieval churches and castles in Europe are made of limestone. Another famous kind of limestone for medieval buildings in Southern England was beer stone.

Limestone also acts as acid-based cleaning chemicals. Many limestone statues and building surfaces have suffered severe damage due to acid rain. Acid-based chemicals can also etch limestone, which should only be cleaned with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner.