In Europe and North America, limestone is a common building material. Several world-famous structures, like Egypt’s Great Pyramid and the surrounding Giza complex, have used it. Limestone was extensively used to construct several notable structures in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, giving the city the nickname “Limestone City.”
The industry was at its peak when there were many uses for limestone in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This rock was widely used during that era to build train stations, banks and other public institutions. As a facade, it can be found on certain buildings. However, it’s usually in thin plates rather than solid blocks.
What Is Limestone?
Limestone is more common than other natural stones, a sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate. Non-siliciclastic sedimentary rock is the most common. Limestone is a naturally occurring mineral.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a mineral known as calcite, makes up most of the rock’s composition. Quartz, clay minerals, pyrite, feldspar and siderite, are some other minerals found in it. Hence, limestones are calcium carbonate-rich rocks.
Uses of Limestone
Agriculture
Calcium carbonate is the chief component of limestones, as previously stated. Therefore, it can be quarried for agricultural use. Limestone is usually crushed into smaller pieces and is available in various grades. Also known as “agricultural lime,” this product is used to counteract soil acidity and release soil minerals, such as phosphates, from the ground.
Industries
Limestone is used in many different fields of work. Limestone powder is used in textiles, paint, paper, rubber, glass and plastics, among other things. Most of the time, they are used to filling up space. Aside from that, it is used in the steel industry to get rid of impurities while the steel is being made. Minerals found in limestones are used in medicines, cosmetics, baking soda, toothpaste and other things.
Construction & Architecture
Here, limestone is dug out of the ground to meet the needs of the building and construction industries. Because of this, the stone is cut into precise-sized slabs or blocks. Limestone can be used to make sculptures, floor tiles, window sills, stair steps and other things. Limestone flooring is very popular among people who own their own homes.
Limestones with a lot of clay are also used to make cement. Limestone can also be used in the building of roads and railroads. Giza, the most well-known pyramid in Egypt, is made of limestone.
Other Uses
Crushed limestone is used as a filter stone in systems to get rid of sewage close to the house. Limestone powder is used in many coal mines to eliminate pollution and control coal mine dust. Lime is a by-product of limestone. It neutralises acids and clean drinking water, wastewater, industrial sludge and animal waste.
Conclusion
People often think limestone is one of the most beautiful natural stones on Earth. Limestone comes in different shapes and sizes and can be used in many ways, both inside and outside the house. One of the most common building materials is this type of stone. We see many different kinds of limestone every day, whether it’s a limestone wall or your new countertop.