The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is set to witness its inaugural auction of limestone mineral blocks, marking a significant development in the region's mineral sector.
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), usually found in the forms of calcite or aragonite. This versatile mineral appears across nearly all geological sequences, ranging from the Pre-Cambrian period to the present, with the exception of the Gondwana formations.
Limestone's composition includes substantial quantities of magnesium carbonate, also known as dolomite. It consists of minor constituents such as clay, iron carbonate, feldspar, pyrite, and quartz. Often, the grains are microscopic fragments of fossilized animal shells, contributing to its unique structure.
Within India, Karnataka holds the largest share of limestone resources, accounting for 28% of the total. Other significant states include Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh. In terms of production, over 75% of India's limestone is mined in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Limestone finds its primary application in the cement industry, serving as a critical component. Additionally, it plays a vital role in metallurgical processes, acting as a flux in iron and steel production. Its utility extends to various other industries, including glass, ceramics, paper, textiles, and tanning.
In chemical production, limestone is instrumental in manufacturing calcium carbide, alkali, and bleaching powder. In agriculture, it functions as a soil conditioning agent and is used in fertilizers like calcium ammonium nitrate. Consumer products such as whiting (chalk and precipitated limestone) in rubber, paint, cosmetics, toothpaste, and shoe polish also benefit from limestone's properties.
Read more at: https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/limestone/
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