Limestone:
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The majority of its uses are in construction. Clay and powdered limestone are heated and used to create cement. It is a crucial component of toothpaste. Limestone is also used to clean pollutants out of blast furnaces used to make steel.
Uses of Limestone:
- Limestone is used as a building material and as an aggregate in the production of concrete, mortar, and cement.
- It is used to improve soil quality by increasing its pH and reducing the effects of soil acidification.
- Limestone is used as a flux to remove impurities in the production of iron and steel.
- It is used as a raw material in the production of various chemicals, including calcium oxide (quicklime), calcium hydroxide (slaked lime), and calcium carbonate.
- Limestone is also used in the production of glass, paint, paper, and sugar.