British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

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BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Limestone definition

Definition: Chemically, limestone is calcium carbonate. It is a sedimentary rock formed from the shells and skeletons of marine creatures which fell to the bottom of ancient seas. These were turned into rock by the pressure of more sediments forming on top of them.

Geologically there is a wide range of limestones - from soft, crumbly white rocks like chalk to some very hard dark grey ones.

We use limestone to make lime for making mortar. We heat the limestone to 850°C, which will decompose to produce calcium oxide (quicklime).