Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that is found naturally in the earth’s environment. The rock comprises primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the form of calcite which is yet again a type of mineral. It also contains other materials like quartz, clay minerals, pyrite, feldspar, and siderite amongst others.
As for the physical properties, limestone usually varies between very fine-textured rocks and coarse-textured rocks. Further, there are many different types and names of limestone like chalk, coquina, travertine, tufa, fossiliferous limestone, lithographic limestone, and oolitic limestone. They have been categorised based on how each rock is formed, how it looks, its composition, and some other factors.
Different Uses of Limestone
When we talk about the uses of limestone, the first thing that strikes our mind is
Construction. Well, architecture (or construction) is one space where they are dependent on limestone to a great extent. Interestingly, as this rock is so valuable and important, buyers are ready to pay even five times more than the value of the stone, mostly for delivery. However, apart from architecture, there are several other uses of this rock as well. We will look at them in detail.
- In Agriculture
- In Industries
- In Construction and Architecture
- Other Uses
Use of Limestone in Agriculture
We have already said that limestone deposits contain mostly calcium carbonate as a compound. As such, this compound can be quarried to be used by the farming sector. Usually, limestone is crushed into smaller particles and various grades are produced. Finally, these products are sold as ‘agricultural lime or “Aglime” which is again used to neutralise soil acidity as well as free up soil minerals like phosphates.
Use of Limestone in Industries
There are several industries that make use of limestone. As such, powdered limestone is used in the textile, paint, paper, rubber, glass and plastic industries amongst others. They are mostly used as fillers. Apart from this, it is used in the steel industry for the production process where limestone is used to remove impurities. The minerals found in limestones are also used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, baking soda, toothpaste, etc.
Use of Limestone in Construction and Architecture
Here limestone is quarried to service the needs of the building and construction industries. So the stone is cut into either slabs or blocks with specific dimensions. Some of its applications include sculptors, floor tiles, window sills, stair treads, and others. The famous pyramid of Giza in Egypt is made out of limestone.
Additionally, limestones containing clay content which are utilised in the production of cement. Limestone aggregate is also used in road and railroad construction.
Other Uses of Limestone
Crushed limestone is used as a filter stone in on-site sewage disposal systems. Limestone in powdered form is also used as a substance to absorb pollutants or control coal mine dust at many coal-mining facilities. Lime which is the byproduct of limestone is used to neutralise acids and treat wastewater, industrial sludge, animal waste, and water supplies.
These are some popular uses of limestone. To know more about calcium compounds and other chemistry topics you can keep visiting BYJU’S or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.
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