| Limestone |
|---|
|
Physical Properties
Color - White, Gray, or Beige
Odor - No Odor
Density - \(0.0647-0.105 \; lbm/in^3 \; (1.79-2.92 \; g/cc )\)
Moisture Expansion - \(0.0028% \;(0.0028% )\)
Porosity - \(2.6-20% \;(2.6-20% )\)
Permeability - \(1.0e-9-0.010 \;(1.0e-9-0.010 )\)
Solubility - Highly Soluble
Molar Mass - \(100.0869 \; g/mol \;(100.0869 \; g/mol)\)
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula - \(CaCO_3\)
State of Matter - Solid
Flammability - Non-Flammable
Mechanical Properties
Hardness, Shore H - \(10-60 \;(10-60 )\)
Hardness, Mohs - \(2.0-5.0 \;(2.0-5.0 )\)
Abrasive Hardness - \(2.0-24 \;(2.0-24 )\)
Ultimate Tensile Strength - \(725-3630 \; psi \;(5.00-25.0 \; MPa)\)
Modulus of Elasticity - \(1450-11600 \; ksi \;(10.0-80.0 \; GPa)\)
Modulus of Rupture - \(0.493-5.21 \; ksi \;(0.00340-0.0359 \; GPa)\)
Transverse Strength - \(435-5220 \; psi \;(3.00-36.0 \; MPa)\)
Compressive Strength - \(2000-37000 \; psi \;(13.8-255 \; MPa)\)
Impact Toughness - \(5.00-8.60 \; in/in^2 \;(1.97-3.39 \; cm/cm^2)\)
Thermal Properties
Specific Heat Capacity - \(0.120-0.445 \; BTU/lbF^\circ \; (0.500-1.86 \; J/gC^\circ )\)
Thermal Conductivity - \(5.55-22.9 \; BTUin/hrft^2 \; F^\circ \; (0.800-3.30 \; W/mK \)
|
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate \(CaCO_3\), typically in the form of the mineral calcite or, less commonly, aragonite. It forms mainly in marine environments through the accumulation and compaction of skeletal fragments from marine organisms like corals, mollusks, and foraminifera, as well as through chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate from water. Limestone varies in color, usually appearing white, gray, or beige, and often contains visible fossils or shell fragments, giving it a textured appearance. Its formation can take millions of years, occurring in settings such as shallow ocean basins, reefs, or lagoons where calcium carbonate-rich materials settle and solidify.
Limestone is widely used in construction, as a raw material for cement and lime production, and in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils. It is also a key component in karst landscapes, where it dissolves in slightly acidic water, creating features like caves and sinkholes. The rock’s durability and abundance make it a significant geological and economic resource.
