Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is derived from the remains of marine organisms such as corals and shells, as well as from chemical precipitation. It is one of the most widely used non-metallic minerals in construction, industry, and agriculture due to its versatile properties.

Limestone is commonly used in the production of cement, which is a crucial material in construction. It is also used in making lime (calcium oxide), which is important for industries such as steelmaking, chemical production, and environmental applications (e.g., flue gas treatment). Additionally, finely ground limestone is used as a soil conditioner in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils and improve soil quality.

In addition to its industrial uses, limestone is prized for its aesthetic appeal in architectural applications and is often used for building facades, flooring, and sculptures. The karst landscapes, formed by limestone dissolution, also have significant geological and environmental importance.