Is Limestone Softer Than Marble

Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of natural carbonate material whereas marble is a type of metamorphic rock formed by metamorphism of limestone.

Is limestone softer than marble. 4 heat and pressure causes the formation of marble while they are not necessary for the formation of limestone. Limestone is softer than marble because of how they are formed inside. Soft stones such as talc rank at around a 1 on the scale while granite falls between 8 and 9 and diamonds rank a 10. Limestone travertine are composed primarily of calcium carbonate and like marble belong to the calcareous group.

The internal carbonate crystal structure of limestone and marble are different to each other. Marble consists of tightly interlocked crystals which makes it stronger than limestone. 6 limestone has gray white or black colors while marble although most commonly white in color has more diverse colors such as green and light colored marble. Travertine is a type of limestone that is created in special conditions during the deposition of the minerals.

Limestone generally ranks at around a 3 on the scale while marble falls between 3 and 4. Any crystalline carbonate rock that has an ability to accept a polish is called marble the name is sometimes used for other soft rocks such as travertine verd antique serpentine and some limestones.