Pictures and descriptions in books can appear almost identical. I realize that limestone has more calcite and more readily fizzes w/dilute acid, but if the claystone has inbedded calcite crystals it will fizz also. Thanks
2007-02-27 16:08:58 · 3 answers · asked by MrArugula 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Your right, and not only can they look very similar, but I have seen limestone that didn't fizz well (because the surface wasn't as fresh as it should be or a student had tested an area with quartz nodules) and I have seen shales/claystones that fizzed readily because they had enough calcite to react, so pictures are good, but nothing beats field work to hone your ability to recognize the differences. I've notices that limestone on a fresh face is usually pale to dark gray while shales and claystones tend to be buffs, browns, rusts, reds. Here again, weathering can affect their appearances, so the most important thing is to find or make (that's what a rock hammer is for) a newly exposed surface.
2007-02-27 16:22:14 · answer #1 · answered by lynn y 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
limestone reacts violently to acid whereas the others do not.
2007-02-28 00:13:17 · answer #2 · answered by shadycaliber 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
but would claystone be composed almost entirely of fossils?
2007-02-28 00:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋