Which property best describes the texture of limestone?

The texture of limestone is best described as compacted and cemented, typically bedded. This characteristic arises from the way limestone forms, which generally involves the accumulation of calcium carbonate from marine organisms and the precipitation of calcium carbonate from water. Over time, these deposits become compacted under the weight of additional sediment and are often mineralized or cemented together, resulting in a solid, rock-like structure with visible layers or bedding.

Limestone's bedding can be attributed to the different stages in its formation, where layers may represent varying conditions of deposition, material sources, or periods of geological activity. This typical compacted and layered structure is what differentiates limestone from other sedimentary rocks, which may have different textures and formation processes.

The other options do not accurately convey the defining characteristics of limestone. For example, describing limestone as thinly layered and brittle does not reflect its predominant solid structure and durability. Likewise, defining it as soft and easily compressible or granular and sandy misrepresents the compact, cohesive nature of limestone as a sedimentary rock.