Specific Weight of Limestone and Its Main Characteristics
Limestone is a carbonate rock composed of calcites and impurities. Most often, the impurity content does not exceed 5%; these impurities include dolomites, particles of sand and clay, and organogenic substances. In the past, limestone was widely used to make sculptures and stucco, and to construct buildings and fortresses.
Many varieties of limestone occur in nature. The main criterion for classifying limestone is the place and factors that influenced its formation. Thus, it is divided into 3 groups: organogenic, chemogenic and clastic. The most widely used limestones are those of the first, organogenic group, including chalk and shell limestone.
Main Physical and Chemical Properties of Limestone
Limestone has many varieties, so its physical and chemical properties can differ noticeably. The main indicators are shown in the table.
| Indicator | Value | Units |
| Specific weight of limestone | 2,6 - 2,8 | g/cm³ |
| Bulk weight of limestone | 1,65 - 2,75 | g/cm³ |
| Porosity degree | 0,3 - 32 | % |
| Hardness factor | 110 - 180 | |
| Thermal conductivity coefficient | 0,25 - 2,8 | Kcal/m |
| Compressive strength | 10 - 3000 | kg/cm² |
| Softening coefficient | 0,4 - 1 | |
| Resistance to temperature changes | 0,2 - 1 |
Some significant differences in the values should be explained. The lightest bulk weight of limestone is 1,65 g/cm³, which is typical of oolitic varieties. Less porous micrograined limestone differs from shell limestone, which can reach 32% porosity. One of the most important indicators is the compressive strength of dry material: values range from 10-60 kg/cm² for shell limestones and up to 2500-3000 kg/cm² for micrograined limestones. Most often, this parameter is 250-600 kg/cm².
Limestone is widely used in various industrial fields. It is used in the production of glass, paper and sugar, as well as in metallurgy and the chemical industry. Limestone is most widely used in construction work. It plays an important role as sawn stone, large blocks, crushed stone for concrete mixes, pigment for painting work, and raw material for lime and cement mixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific weight of limestone?
The specific weight of limestone is usually about 2.6-2.8 g/cm³. Volumetric weight can be lower and depends strongly on porosity, rock variety and deposit.
Why does limestone volumetric weight differ from specific weight?
Specific weight refers to the dense mineral mass, while volumetric weight includes pores, cracks and stone structure. That is why porous shell limestone is lighter than dense microcrystalline limestone.
Where is limestone used?
Limestone is used in construction, crushed stone, lime, cement, glass, paper and sugar production, as well as in metallurgy and the chemical industry.