· Dimensional cut
· Flooring
· Landscaping
· Roofing
· Sculpture and carving
Appropriate Finishes:
· Bush hammered
· Honed
· Polished
· Sawn
· Split face
Limestone is sedimentary rock composed largely of calcite (calcium carbonate) that can be found throughout much of the world. Available as an oolitic or dolomitic stone, Limestone generally is a non-crystalline stone (i.e., does not take a polish) that displays a uniform composition, texture and structure. The stone is formed as a result of millions of years of deposits of seashells and fossilized sea creatures. The calcium in the bones and shells combines with carbon dioxide in the water to form calcium carbonate, which is he basic mineral structure of all limestone. And its prevalence around the globe provides real insight and positive evidence of just how much more of our planet used to be covered in water, as a result of various ice ages or glacial periods over millions of years.
Quarries
In much of the United States, including Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Indiana, one can find limestone quarries. In fact, the world's largest limestone quarry is located in Rogers City, Mich., which began operating in 1912. However, Indiana limestone probably is the best-known limestone quarried in this country. This particular variety of stone has earned a reputation worldwide as a premier dimension stone. This limestone — and many other varieties — exhibits no preferential direction of splitting; therefore, it can be cut and carved into a variety of shapes and sizes. Moreover, it can be sawed, planed, turned on a lathe, or hand-worked to match design requirements.
Around the world, limestone quarries can be found throughout Europe, as well as in parts of Asia, Africa and in Australia, where the southeastern part of the country is nicknamed "The Limestone Coast." Much of the region is low-lying and was flooded by sea as recently as 2 million years ago. Scientists also say The Limestone Coast was inundated by a glacial period 15 to 20 million years ago