Karstokivien

Karstokivien, in Finnish geology, refers to stones that have undergone karstification, typically associated with carbonate rocks such as limestone (CaCO3) and dolostone (CaMg(CO3)2). The term describes both the rock material and the surfaces or fragments produced by karst processes.

Karstification is driven by the dissolution of rock by mildly acidic water, usually groundwater that contains dissolved carbon dioxide. Over long timescales, this chemical weathering creates features such as pitted rock faces, joints widened by solution, sinkholes, and caves. The stones themselves may display dissolution grooves, karst pits, and an overall rounded or irregular morphology.

Karstokivien occur wherever carbonate rocks are exposed to karstic processes, and they are of interest to geologists and speleologists for understanding groundwater flow, rock durability, and landscape evolution. Karst terrains typically host complex underground drainage systems and fragile surface features sensitive to weathering.

Use and implications: In some regions, karst stones are quarried as building material or decorative rock, though their solubility requires careful handling to prevent subsidence and surface collapse. Studying karstokivien informs groundwater management and hazard assessment in karst landscapes.

See also: Karst, Limestone, Dolostone, Speleology.