Concept: chalk in the concept vocabulary

Concept URI http://www.eionet.europa.eu/gemet/concept/11207
Preferred label chalk
Definition A soft, pure, earthy, fine-textured, usually white to light gray or buff limestone of marine origin, consisting almost wholly (90-99%) of calcite, formed mainly by shallow-water accumulation of calcareous tests of floating microorganisms (chiefly foraminifers) and of comminuted remains of calcareous algae (such as cocoliths and rhabdoliths), set in a structureless matrix of very finely crystalline calcite. The rock is porous, somewhat friable, and only slightly coherent. It may include the remains of bottom-dwelling forms (e.g. ammonites, echinoderms, and pelecypods), and nodules of chert and pyrite. The best known and most widespread chalks are of Cretaceous age, such as those exposed in cliffs on both sides of the English Channel.
Notation
Status Valid
Status Modified 2013-12-05
Accepted Date 2013-12-05
Not Accepted Date
Alternative label
  • φυσικό ανθρακικό ασβέστιο [el]
Has broader
Is related to
Has close match
Source