Supplier of Limestone from Middle East

Description of Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed principally of calcium carbonate (calcite) or the double carbonate of calcium and magnesium (dolomite). It is commonly composed of tiny fossils, shell fragments and other fossilized debris. These fossils are frequently visible to the unaided eye on close examination of the stone surface, however this is not always the case. Some varieties of limestone have an extremely fine grain.

that is usually gray, but it may also be white, yellow or brown. It is a soft rock and is easily scratched. It will effervesce readily in any common acid.

Limestones may vary greatly in texture and porosity from coquina, which is a matrix of whole or pieces of sea shells loosely cemented by calcite, to oolite limestones and microcrystalline limestones whose structures are so fine that they can be seen only under magnification.

Limestone deposits can undergo metamorphism during major geological events resulting in a recrystallizing as marble.

Applications of Limestone

Limestone is a remarkably versatile material with a wide range of applications across various industries. Here’s a breakdown:

Construction and Building

• Cement and Concrete: it is a key ingredient in cement production, which is essential for concrete.
• Building Material: Many types of limestone are used as dimension stone for buildings, sculptures, and monuments.
• Aggregate: Crushed limestone is used as a base for roads, railway beds, and construction foundations.

Agriculture

• Soil Conditioner: it is used to neutralize acidic soils and improve crop growth.
• Animal Feed: it is a source of calcium for livestock.

Industry

• Chemical Production: its used to produce lime, which has numerous industrial applications.
• Steelmaking: its acts as a flux to remove impurities from iron ore.
• Paper Production: its used as a filler and coating for paper.
• Glassmaking: its a key ingredient in glass production.
• Water Treatment: its used to adjust water pH and remove impurities.
• Other Industries: its has applications in plastics, rubber, and paint production.

Environmental

• Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: Limestone can be used to capture and store carbon dioxide.

Types of Limestone

Limestone is a diverse rock with many variations based on its formation, composition, and appearance. Here are some common types:

Based on Formation

• Oolite: Composed of tiny, spherical grains called ooids.
• Chalk: Soft, white limestone primarily made up of microscopic shells.
• Coquina: its formed from loosely cemented shells and fragments.
• Coral: Formed from the skeletal remains of corals.
• Travertine: Deposited by mineral springs, often with a porous and layered appearance.
• Tufa: Similar to travertine but formed in colder water conditions.

Based on Composition

• Dolomitic: Contains significant amounts of dolomite, a magnesium carbonate mineral.
• Fossiliferous: Rich in fossils.
• Lithographic: Fine-grained and uniform, used for lithography.

Based on Appearance

• Crystalline: Has a crystalline structure, often resembling marble.
• Black : Contains impurities that give it a dark color.

Natural or Inherent Limestone Problems

• Weathering
• Erosion
• Staining
• Crumbling
• Chipping
• Detachment
• Efflorescence
• Erosion
• Flaking
• Peeling
• Rising Damp
• Spalling
• Sub-florescence

Specification