Limestone - A Crucial and Versatile Industrial Mineral Commodity

Fact Sheet 2008-3089
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Abstract

Limestone, as used by the minerals industry, is any rock composed mostly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Although limestone is common in many parts of the United States, it is critically absent from some. Limestone is used to produce Portland cement, as aggregate in concrete and asphalt, and in an enormous array of other products, making it a truly versatile commodity. Portland cement is essential to the building industry, but despite our Nation's abundance of limestone, there have been cement shortages in recent years. These have been caused in part by a need to find new areas suitable for quarrying operations. To help manage our Nation's resources of such essential mineral commodities, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides crucial data and scientific information to industry, policymakers, and the public.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Limestone - A Crucial and Versatile Industrial Mineral Commodity
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2008-3089
DOI 10.3133/fs20083089
Edition Version 1.1, revised August 2012
Year Published 2008
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Western Mineral Resources
Description 4 p.
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