The scientific name for limestone is Calcite when referring specifically to its primary mineral component. The chemical formula for limestone is CаCO₃, which stands for calcium carbonate.
Limestone is formed from sedimentary rocks and is primarily composed of the mineral calcite, which is a crystalline form of calcium carbonate. This rock commonly forms in marine environments through the accumulation of shell, coral, algal, and fecal debris. Over time, these materials compact and cement together to form limestone.
The chemical formula, CaCO₃, indicates that each molecule of calcium carbonate consists of one calcium atom (Ca), one carbon atom (C), and three oxygen atoms (O). This compound can also be found in other forms, such as chalk and marl, and is an important material in construction, agriculture, and industry.