Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of the mineral calcite, which is a crystalline form of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Limestone often contains variable amounts of silica in the form of Jasper or Flint, as well as amounts of clay, silt, and sand as disseminations, nodules, or layers within the rock unit. The main source of this calcite in limestone is speleothems such as stalagmites and stalactites. The secondary source of calcite is the shells of sea animals and corals.
Limestone makes up about 10 percent of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks. Most Limestone starts as the floor of shallow tropical seas and can be seen in parts of the tropics that are only 30 to 40 years old. The stone has the unique property of retrograde solubility, meaning that the stone is less soluble in water as the temperature increases.
Limestone is also classified as a young marble formed from the consolidation of seashells and sediment. Shells of sea animals form grains in limestone that promotes the growth of cement crystals around themselves.
Limestone is a popular building material because of its availability and the relative ease with which it can be worked with and cut. The stone can have a very diverse chemical composition, which can result in a variety of different colours of limestone or even within a single cut of the stone.
Historically, limestone has been a very common material for building and sculpting, with famous buildings dating back to the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt. In recent years, some ancient structures have exhibited damage due to increased acid rain. With proper care, limestone will retain its beauty and last for many years. Due to its susceptibility to acid, it is not recommended that limestone be cleaned with an acid-based cleaner. A neutral or mildly alkaline cleaner is recommended for use on limestone so as not to damage the stone.
Metaphysical Properties
Many limestones exhibit different colors, especially on weathered surfaces. Therefore, the color of the limestone can help assist with colors of the Auric field and Chakra centers. Red and tan stones for the Base or Root Chakra, orange for the Sacral/Spleen Chakra and so on. Limestone is the root of many crystals including, agate, calcite, dolomite, lapis and Septarian, just to name a few. Therefore, it takes on the metaphysical properties of its additional minerals. This is why limestone is such a mult-dimensional stone.
Folk Remedies: Limestone is a healing stone beneficial to overall health and well being. It gives relief for muscle spasms, nurtures, grounds and works primarily well on the Root Chakra.
Feng Shui: Use this stone in the Center area for health, overall wellness and balance.
More History: Limestone is a sedimentary rock. Like most other sedimentary rocks, limestone forms in shallow, calm, warm marine waters and is composed of grains. Most grains in limestone are skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera. Other carbonate grains comprising limestones are ooids, peloids, intraclasts, and extraclasts. These organisms secrete shells made of aragonite or calcite, and leave these shells behind after the organisms die. Limestone often contains variable amounts of silica in the form of chert.