Summary:
- Limestone is a type of rock which is formed when mud, sand, and shells are deposited in oceans and lakes while marble is a type of rock which is formed ...
- Both come in many colors and are used as building materials and other industrial uses. ...
- Limestone is a sedimentary rock while marble is a metamorphic rock.
What are the similarities between limestone and marble?
- White Marble. White marble provides a clean and natural-looking finish to any application, which is why many businesses and homeowners prefer its color. ...
- Black Marble. ...
- Grey Marble. ...
- Cream Marble. ...
- Red Marble. ...
- Blue Marble. ...
- Brown Marble. ...
- Green Marble.
How does limestone change into marble?
Uses of limestone:
- Acid rain - neutralization of acid lake waters
- Agriculture - soil stabilization and pH control
- Air quality - neutralizes sulphur dioxide gases from industrial processes such as smelting metal ores and coal fired generating stations
- Aluminum
- Aggregate for concrete and road building
- Artificial waterfalls
- Asphalt
Is marble the same as limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock, while marble is a metamorphic rock. Both rocks have negative reactions to acid. The primary difference between limestone and marble is that limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate fossils. In contrast, marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate fossils.
How do you recognize limestone and marble?
- Marble is a much softer stone than granite.
- Marble is a metamorphic rock containing calcium carbonate, which reacts to acids. ...
- Marble is also sensitive to acidic/citric foods like lemon and vinegar, so it's not always a good choice for kitchen/breakroom counter tops.
- You can usually identify marble because of its distinct swirls and/or veins.
What are the similarities and differences between limestone and marble?
Both come in many colors and are used as building materials and other industrial uses. Limestone is used as raw material for several products while marble is suitable for use in creating sculptured works of art. 3. Limestone is a sedimentary rock while marble is a metamorphic rock.
Do marble and limestone have similar mineral composition?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite (CaCO3) and usually contains other minerals, such as clay minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides, and graphite.
Is marble related to limestone?
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by the alteration of limestone by heat and pressure. The calcite in the limestone changes and fossils and layering in the original limestone disappear as interlocking grains grow. If the limestone is pure, a white marble is formed.
What is difference between limestone and marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock, and limestone is a sedimentary rock. Limestone is more porous than marble, which is much harder. Limestone has white, gray and black colors, while marble comes in more diverse colors, from green to very light.Sep 9, 2021
What mineral is similar to limestone?
About 20% to 25% of sedimentary rock is carbonate rock, and most of this is limestone. The remaining carbonate rock is mostly dolomite, a closely related rock, which contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO 3) 2.
How does marble and limestone compare to hardness?
Marble and limestone lie at the opposite end of the hardness scale from granite. While marble is slightly harder and denser than limestone, both rate very low on the Mohs scale, a rating used to measure the hardness of stones. Limestone generally ranks at around a 3 on the scale, while marble falls between 3 and 4.Jul 17, 2017
What are some common uses for sandstone and limestone?
Sandstone and limestone have been used for the construction of pavement stone and road stone. Sedimentary rocks are used in highway roadbed.Sep 24, 2018
What's the difference between sandstone and limestone?
Limestone's natural characteristics give it an orange-peel texture, and some options boast a natural split surface texture too. Sandstone on the other hand is slightly more uneven, with a rippled texture. With a sawn finish, it's a more contemporary option compared to limestone.Sep 27, 2018
What is the difference between marble and limestone?
Marble is employed in sculptures and house interiors, whereas limestone is employed as a raw material in various items and the vicinity of fireplaces and walls.
Which is better, marble or limestone?
Overall, both Limestone and Marble serve great purposes, but when it comes to a material that is tough and durable, Marble outshines Limestones.
What is limestone made of?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in calcite and aragonite.
What can you see when you look closely at a piece of limestone?
When you look closely at a a piece material you suspect to be limestone, you may be able to see fossil fragments bound together by a calcite matrix, such as bits of shell.
What is the best stone for a fireplace?
Limestone looks great as a wall panel, on the floor or walls of the foyer and around the fireplace.
What are the two processes that make limestone?
Two processes form limestone: (1) biogenic condensation from saltwater, with organisms that secrete lime and foraminifera as the main mechanisms; and (2) mechanical movement and deposition of preceding limestones, which results in clastic deposits.
What is the texture of limestone?
The majority of Limestone’s texture has a coarse feel.
What are the characteristics of marble and limestone?
You can also know more about Marble and Limestone Reserves. Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock which is composed of recrystallized carbonate which is formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures over a long time. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate. These rocks are composed of many distinct minerals. The process of formation of rocks is different for various rocks. Rocks are quarried from many years for various purposes. You can check out Marble vs Limestone information and Marble vs Limestone characteristics in the upcoming sections.
What is limestone made of?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate. These rocks are composed of many distinct minerals. The process of formation of rocks is different for various rocks. Rocks are quarried from many years for various purposes.
What is the difference between limestone and marble?
Limestone vs Marble. Both limestone and marble are types of rock made of calcium carbonate residues. Even though their chemical nature is almost similar to each other, there are many differences between limestone and marble in the way they originate and the physical characteristics they possess. In general these are used as construction material ...
What type of rock is limestone?
Depending on the method of formation it can take different physical shapes. i.e. crystalline, granular, large rock type. Limestone was most famous during the 19th and 20th century as many public buildings and structures were made from limestone.
How is marble formed?
Marble. Marble is formed when the carbonate material in limestone gets recrystallized. This happens through a process called ‘metamorphism’ which means the “change in type”. Metamorphic rocks are born when existing rock types are transformed physically/chemically due to high temperatures and pressure; hence limestone gives birth to marble ...
What are the two types of minerals that make up limestone?
Limestone. Limestone mainly consists of two types of minerals; namely, calcite and aragonite. These are two different forms of calcium carbonate itself. The source of these calcium depositions are usually the left-over shell secretions/skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as corals.
How is limestone formed?
Therefore, limestone is a type of sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of material at the earth’s surface or within water bodies. Sedimentation can take place at the site of the source or at a completely different location. If it’s at a different location, these sediments are transported to the location of deposition by water, wind, ice etc.
Why does limestone dissolve in water?
Therefore, limestone can only barely survive in water and, when in deep water bodies, it dissolves due to high water pressure. Most ancient caves were naturally formed due to the erosion of large bodies of limestone by water over thousands of million years.
What is marble used for?
Marble is most commonly used for sculpture and as construction material . Since ancient days, marble sculpture has had its cultural affiliations, especially among the Greek and Roman architects who commonly used it as a decorative stone. Nowadays, synthetic marble is also been produced by mixing marble dust with cement and other resins. Among the top marble producing countries are Italy, China, India and Spain.
What is the difference between limestone and marble?
The main difference between the two is that marble is a metamorphic rock, while limestone is a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock is formed from minerals and particles – limestone is usually formed under water, which is why it often has shells, sand or mud particles in it. Yet, marble is metamorphic, which is either sedimentary or igneous rocks that have been crystallized due to high temperature. Both of these natural materials have been used in architecture throughout history.
What is lime stone used for?
Limestone has been used in homes for centuries. This natural stone is known for its beauty and ease for cutting, shaping and carving it. Take a look at more of its benefits, below.
Limestone vs Marble
The main difference between limestone and marble is that limestone is a type of rock created by the deposition of sand, mud, and shells in oceans and lakes. Marble is a sort of rock that establishes because of the formation of mountains leading to recrystallization.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is one of the different rocks. We use the term limestone universally for many kinds of calcium carbonate rocks. Limestone is anamorphic and the main composition in limestone is CaCO3 (calcium carbonate). Limestone was formed in the sea millions of years ago.
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock, which means it changes over time. Metamorphism (a process in which we subject the rock to heat and pressure) of limestone results in the formation of this rock (Caco3). Marble is formed with the addition of iron oxides and graphite (in lower amounts).
Main Differences Between Limestone and Marble
Limestone is mostly used as raw material, whereas marble is more suited to sculptured works of art.
Conclusion
Metamorphism is the term for these transformations (same as in a butterfly). This is a continuous process, and if temperatures and pressures rise, the rock may melt completely, transforming into an igneous rock that will eventually dissolve and revert to limestone. It’s known as the rock cycle, and it is a continuous process.

Limestone vs Marble: The Facts
Similarities Between Marble and Limestone
- Marble and Limestone have way more differences than they do similarities. However, here are a few similarities. They both have Calcium Carbonate in them. Both are utilized in construction and are available in a variety of colors. Marble is employed in sculptures and house interiors, whereas limestone is employed as a raw material in various items a...
Differences Between Limestone and Marble
- The primary difference between limestone and marble is that limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate fossils. In contrast, marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate fossils. Shells, sand, and muck descend to the bottom of oceans and lakes, where they solidify into limestone over time. Natural rock formation proces…
Limestone and Marble Aesthetics
- Limestone and Marble can be readily identified with the naked eye, even though they are of identical origins and composition. Limestone often comes in earth tones like gray, tan, or brown and has fossil and shell impressions. From white to black, marble is available in multiple colors, from earth tones to green, blue, red, and pink. All the mossbacks in the rock are recrystallized an…
Limestone and Marble Density and Hardness
- Granite is at the other extreme of the hardness scale as marble and limestone. Even though marble is a bit more dense and harder than limestone, both are extremely soft on the Mohs scale, which measures stone hardness. Marble is between a three and a four on the scale, while limestone is somewhere in the middle. On the scale, soft stones like talc are approximately a 1, …
Application of Marble and Limestone
- Although marble and limestone are available in the same slabs, panels, and tiles as granite, these materials are not suitable for the same uses. Because of the risk of discoloration and scratches, the National Kitchen and Bath Association advises against using limestone in the kitchen or bath. The Association also advises against using marble in the kitchen unless carefully sharpened an…
Acid Is to Be Avoided
- Aside from their common ancestors, for Limestone vs Marble, they have another thing in common: they are both extremely prone to harm when exposed to acidic elements. For homeowners, this means that even a spilled glass of lemonade or a drop of vinegar on the stone’s surface might leave persistent dull scars. Only a skilled resurfacing and rehoning of the stone ca…
Limestone and Marble Cost
- When it comes to Limestone vs Marble, the cost of both stones varies greatly depending on the stone’s color, source, and treatment. While limestone is less expensive than other forms of stone since it is so commonly available and easy to work with, highly polished limestone or unusual colors can easily cost more than some varieties of marble, according to Coldspring USA. Overall…