Limestone Life Cycle
Formation of Lime Stone
Nearly all examples of limestone begin their life as live sea creatures. In the case of chalk, they are microscopic protozoa (single-cell animals). Coral is composed of the skeletons of tiny multicellular animals. A limestone called coquina is composed of millions of seashells and has a much coarser look. Travertine and tufa are crystalline deposits that form from the evaporation of dissolved calcium carbonate in caverns or hot springs. Over millions of years, these deposits are compressed to form limestone, which can be fine or coarse-grained, depending on the origin.
The Metamorphic Route
One route that the life cycle of limestone can take is its metamorphosis into marble. It is formed over millions of years when limestone is subjected to intense pressure. Marble is usually a whitish colour, but can often be coloured with impurities. It is possible to make out tiny pieces of calcite when marble is studied closely. Compacted crystalline limestone can sometimes be mistaken for marble.
Lasting Building Blocks
Most limestone ends its life just lying in the ground as a sedimentary rock. However, it has been mined for centuries for building blocks. The Great Pyramid of Giza is made entirely from limestone, as are most of the artefacts that make up the tombs, statues and temples of ancient Egypt. Limestone can be seen all over the Uk and Europe as the material used for public buildings, and in medieval buildings and castles around the Uk.
Lime Stone as Mortar, Plaster & Paint
Pulverized limestone is the raw material used in the manufacture of quicklime, slaked lime and cement. The images below illustrate the life cycle from calcium carbonate in a Limestone state to lime and back to calcium carbonate as a lime product in a building.
References: http://www.ehow.com/info_8615929_life-cycle-limestone.html
Limestone Life Cycle
Formation of Lime Stone
Nearly all examples of limestone begin their life as live sea creatures. In the case of chalk, they are microscopic protozoa (single-cell animals). Coral is composed of the skeletons of tiny multicellular animals. A limestone called coquina is composed of millions of seashells and has a much coarser look. Travertine and tufa are crystalline deposits that form from the evaporation of dissolved calcium carbonate in caverns or hot springs. Over millions of years, these deposits are compressed to form limestone, which can be fine or coarse-grained, depending on the origin.
The Metamorphic Route
One route that the life cycle of limestone can take is its metamorphosis into marble. It is formed over millions of years when limestone is subjected to intense pressure. Marble is usually a whitish colour, but can often be coloured with impurities. It is possible to make out tiny pieces of calcite when marble is studied closely. Compacted crystalline limestone can sometimes be mistaken for marble.
Lasting Building Blocks
Most limestone ends its life just lying in the ground as a sedimentary rock. However, it has been mined for centuries for building blocks. The Great Pyramid of Giza is made entirely from limestone, as are most of the artefacts that make up the tombs, statues and temples of ancient Egypt. Limestone can be seen all over the Uk and Europe as the material used for public buildings, and in medieval buildings and castles around the Uk.
Lime Stone as Mortar, Plaster & Paint
Pulverized limestone is the raw material used in the manufacture of quicklime, slaked lime and cement. The images below illustrate the life cycle from calcium carbonate in a Limestone state to lime and back to calcium carbonate as a lime product in a building.
References: http://www.ehow.com/info_8615929_life-cycle-limestone.html