Limestone refers to a sedimentary rock that is very high in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), with minimal impurities such as silica, alumina, iron oxides, and magnesium. Limestone is composed almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and is usually formed from marine shells, corals, and skeletal debris deposited over millions of years. It is widely used in industries such as cement manufacturing, steel production, construction, and agriculture due to its high purity, chemical stability, and reactivity. The high CaCO₃ content makes limestone an essential raw material for various industrial and chemical processes.
| Parameter | Result (%) | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Oxide (CaO) | 54.86 % | IS 1760 |
| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) | 97.65 % | By Calculation |
| Loss on Ignition (LOI) | 43.55 % | IS 1760 |
| Silica (SiO₂) | 0.33 % | IS 1760 |
| Magnesium Oxide (MgO) | 0.58 % | IS 1760 |
| Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃) | 0.13 % | IS 1760 |
| Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) | 0.22 % | SOP (TPM/MSK/5/C1) |
| Potassium Oxide (K₂O) | 0.033 % | IS 1493 |
| Sodium Oxide (Na₂O) | 0.023 % | IS 1493 |
| Sulphur (SO₃) | 0.024 % | Instrumental Method (C & S Analyser) |
| Chloride (Cl) | 0.009 % | Instrumental Method (C & S Analyser) |
| Phosphorus Pentoxide (P₂O₅) | 0.010 % | ASTM C1301-95 |
| Manganese Trioxide (Mn₂O₃) | 0.005 % | ASTM C1301-95 |
| Shatter Index (+10 mm) | 96.6 % | IS 9963 |
| Decrepitation Index (−10 mm) | 2.7 % | IS 10345 |
| Moisture | 0.14 % | IS 1209 |
