Paleozoic
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Limestone typically formed during the Paleozoic era (around 540 to 250 million years ago) when large quantities of marine organisms such as corals and mollusks accumulated on the sea floor and compressed over time. Coal formed primarily during the Carboniferous period (around 360 to 300 million years ago) when dense forests in swampy environments underwent burial and transformation into coal due to pressure and heat.
Coal and limestone are both sedimentary rocks that are formed from the accumulation of organic material (coal) or calcium carbonate (limestone) over millions of years. Both are used as natural resources in various industries, with coal being primarily used for energy production and limestone used in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock formed from the remains of plants and trees, used as a fuel source. Limestone is a sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, used in construction and manufacturing. Both have different origins, compositions, and uses.
Coal is classified as an organic sedimentary rock because it is mainly formed from the remains of plant material. Limestone is classified as an organic sedimentary rock in some cases when it contains a high percentage of organic matter, such as shells and coral fragments.
Bituminous coal is most like the organic matter from which it formed as it is formed from the slow accumulation and compression of plant materials over time. It retains a higher carbon content compared to other coal types and has a relatively high energy content.
Carbon is the main element found in coal, limestone, and petroleum. However, limestone also contains calcium carbonate and some impurities, while petroleum contains hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, and propane.