Carbonate rocks are a class of sedimentary rocks composed primarily of carbonate minerals. The two major types are limestone, which is composed of calcite or aragonite (different crystal forms of CaCO 3), and dolomite rock (also known as dolostone), which is composed of dolomite (CaMg(CO 3) 2).

Carbonate rocks are the second most common sedimentary rocks on Earth after siliciclastic rocks and are produced by the accumulation of fossils, the activity of organisms, and other inorganic processes – all involving dissolved carbonates and water.

Carbonate grains are analogous to the framework grains in a sandstone and consist of the following types: Skeletal particles are composed of calcareous shells of skeletal material. Identification keys for fossils in thin section are provided in Chapter 9.6. Coated grains form as carbonate is progressively added to a grain.

Carbonate rock is defined as a type of rock that is highly heterogeneous, consisting of component particles from biological and non-biological sources embedded in a lime-mud matrix or cement.

Dec 20, 2024 · Limestones and dolostones (dolomites) make up the bulk of the nonterrigenous sedimentary rocks. Limestones are for the most part primary carbonate rocks. They consist of 50 percent or more calcite and aragonite (both CaCO 3).

carbonate rock, any rock composed mainly of carbonate minerals. The principal members of the group are the sedimentary rocks dolomite and limestone ( qq.v. ).

Carbonate sedimentary rocks make up approximately 22% of the sedimentary record and are second in abundance to mudrocks. They are of great economic importance because they serve as both a source and reservoir in petroleum systems and are used in …

Carbonate Rocks. The carbonate rocks make up 10 to 15% of sedimentary rocks. They largely consist of two types of rocks. Limestones which are composed mostly of calcite (CaCO 3) or high Mg calcite [(Ca,Mg)CO 3], and . Dolostones which are composed mostly of …

Aug 28, 2022 · Many carbonate minerals can have either an inorganic or an organic origin. Inorganic marine carbonate rocks form when either calcite or aragonite precipitate from ocean water. Marl may form when carbonates precipitate on lake or stream bottoms.

Sep 4, 2019 · The classification of carbonate rocks, like that of sandstones, has gone through a few iterations. Two schemes have stood the test of trial and error, in the field and through microscopes; both were compiled in the late 1950s – early 60s, each serves a slightly different purpose, both are still popular.