Limestone consists mainly of calcium carbonate that was formed on the bottom of shallow lakes and seas, deposited as loose particles of shells or formed chemically by the action of acidic water containing carbon dioxide. This slightly dissolves the calcium carbonate that is already present, which then reforms by binding onto particles of sand or shell. Over time these beds build up, are duplicated, and become further compacted by the weight and/or pressure caused by movement of the earth¹s crust. Minerals, often oxides of iron, help to decide the various colours of stone available all shades of white, black, grey, buff and yellow.
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