Limestone is a common substance, making up about 10% of sedimentary rocks across the world. It is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, which comes from the ancient remains of sea creatures, such as coral and shellfish. Thanks to its abundance and high calcium content, limestone has seen use across the world and throughout history in a range of applications.

5 Common Uses for Limestone

1. Buildings

While limestone was more popular in architecture in past centuries, it still sees heavy use today as a construction material. It is best suited to shorter buildings because of its considerable weight.

2. Concrete

Rather than using the natural stone, most modern construction applications rely on concrete. Limestone is the chief component of the cement that binds concrete together, making it vital to almost all modern buildings.

3. Soil pH Balance

Because it naturally increases pH, limestone is used to balance out acidic soil. The crushed stone, called agricultural lime, is added to the soil before crops are planted for better growing conditions.

4. Antacid Medications

Its power to neutralize acid also makes calcium carbonate an important component of heartburn medications. Purified limestone is used in this and other medications, and even in food to increase the calcium content.

5. Chemical Applications

Limestone's chemical properties allow it to bond to several other substances, including sulfur dioxide and silica. For this reason, it’s used to reduce emissions from fossil-fuel power plants, remove impurities from iron, and control the viscosity of glass during glassmaking.

Limestone is an essential part of many of the products and processes we use in the modern world. Just look around you, and you'll see how much of your surroundings incorporate this versatile material.

Hilltop Basic Resources in Cincinnati, OH, provides limestone and other building materials for commercial applications throughout southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southern Indiana. In business for over 75 years with three sand, gravel, and limestone mines, they’re Ohio's number one concrete producer. To learn more or to place an order, call (513) 684-8200 or find more detailed contact information online.