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
Can the density of limestone and its main characteristics be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for limestone and its main characteristics in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of limestone and its main characteristics differ from the table?
The actual weight of limestone and its main characteristics depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of limestone and its main characteristics from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of limestone and its main characteristics is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.