mészkövek

Mészkövek, also known as limestone, is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the form of the mineral calcite. It is typically formed in shallow, warm marine environments from the accumulation of shell fragments, coral, and the skeletal remains of marine organisms. Over geological time, these organic materials are compacted and cemented together to form solid rock. Limestone can also form through chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate from water.

The appearance of limestone can vary widely depending on its composition and formation. It is often white, grey, or light brown, but can also be black, red, or yellowish. Textures can range from fine-grained to coarse-grained, and some limestones contain visible fossils. Key properties of limestone include its relative softness compared to igneous and metamorphic rocks, and its susceptibility to acid dissolution, which is a characteristic test for identifying calcite.

Limestone is a widespread and economically important rock. It is quarried for use as a building material, for the production of cement and lime, and as an aggregate in concrete. In agriculture, crushed limestone is used to neutralize acidic soils. Its porous nature also makes it a significant reservoir rock for oil and natural gas, and a source of groundwater. Karst landscapes, characterized by caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage, are often formed by the dissolution of limestone.