Describe the importance of the following: (a) limestone, (b) cement and (c) plaster of paris.

Explanation

(i) Limestone. It is used as a building material in the form of marble. It is used in the preparation of quick lime and as a raw material for the manufacture of sodium carbonate in Solvay process. It is also used as a constituent of tooth paste and filler in cosmetics. (i) Cement. It is an important construction material. It is used in concrete and reinforced concrete, in plastering and in the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, etc.
(iii) Plaster of Paris. It is used in building industry as well as in plasters. It is used for making statues, models and other decorative materials, It is used in surgical bandages known as plasters for immoblising the fractured bases in the body.