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What organic materials make up limestone?

What type of mineral and what percent of it determine if a rock is limestone? (Refer to Site 2)

Answer :

Final answer:

Limestone is mainly made up of calcium carbonate, derived from organic materials such as marine organisms' remains. To be classified as limestone, the rock should contain at least 50% calcium carbonate, with possible minor inclusions like dolomite or iron oxides.


Explanation:

Limestone Composition

Limestone is primarily composed of the mineral calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This sedimentary rock forms mainly from the accumulation of organic materials such as the shells and skeletons of marine organisms, including mollusks and plankton. When these creatures die, their remains contribute to the sediment that eventually compacts into limestone.

Mineral Composition

To determine if a rock qualifies as limestone, it must contain at least 50% calcium carbonate. Limestone can also include other minor minerals, like dolomite (CaMgCO3) or traces of iron oxides. The presence of these minerals can impact the rock's properties and uses.


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