Limestone is formed by nonbiogenic formation of calcite.
Limestone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It is chiefly formed from the mineral calcite which is derived from the skeletons of marine organisms like branchiopods, clams and crinoids which accumulate at the bottom of the sea in piles of shelly debris, which in turn form beds of limestone. Limestone can also be formed by nonbiogenic calcite formation. Limestone has been used for many centuries for building purposes; however, in recent times, it has had other uses.
Construction Aggregate
Limestone is used in the production of construction aggregate.
One of the main uses of limestone is in the production of construction aggregate. Aggregate is derived from crushed quarry rock for use as a component of concrete, roadstone and as a ballast. There are considerations which determine if a particular limestone is suitable for the use as an aggregate. The density and porosity are important. The porosity should be low in order to reduce damage from salt crystallization and frost. There are economic factors as to why limestone with low porosity is desirable; the more porous the limestone, the more bitumen coating it will absorb when used for roadstone leading to an increase in costs. The process of producing the aggregate involves mining limestone rock from a suitable location, crushing it, screening it and then transporting it to the site for use in different construction settings like building homes and highways.
Cement
Limestone is the main ingredient in the production of cement. Cement is made by blending different materials like limestone, sand, shale and fly ash to produce a material called clinker. The clincker is mixed with gypsum and finely ground to produce the cement. More than 80 percent of the raw material used in the production of cement is limestone.
Lime
Lime is made by burning limestone in a furnace. Lime is used in different applications such as in the control of air pollution. For instance, lime is used in the removal of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride form flue gas emissions. Lime is also applied in the treatment of industrial sludge and municipal wastewater. Lime is also used in the treatment of industrial and domestic water supplies. In this case, lime is utilized as a filter, chemical precipitant and acid neutralizer. Lime is used in the production of whitewash which was a common paint in the 19th century. Another use of crushed lime is in the agricultural sector to alter the chemical and physical properties of the soil. This agricultural lime is known as aglime.
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