Limestone Info and Facts
Limestone
Limestone is one of the most versatile stones available. In its pure form it is hard enough to be used in almost any application, however it is relatively soft compared to other building stones such as marble.
Limestone Variations
Forms of limestone include chalk (a much softer version), and marl (a type of fertilizer). Travertine is also a limestone, though harder. Travertine is often found in stalactite and stalagmites that have formed in caves.
Formation
Limestone is chiefly composed of calcium carbonate. It is a sedimentary rock, which means that it is formed by the collection of other minerals coming together to bond at a structural level. This most commonly occurs when lime builds up in oceans, then washes ashore and dries out.
Colors
It is white in its purest form; however impurities that become stuck in the structure during formation cause colorful streaks and shades to appear in its surface. There are literally an unlimited number of colors limestone can come in due to the variety of impurities and the nature of their relationship to the forming stone. Iron will generally cause the colors in limestone to shift to red, or yellow, while carbon will shift the colors more towards grey or black. The erratic nature of the way the impurities join with the limestone, means that each piece of limestone is unique. Despite these wide variations Limestone can be easily categorized into several subgroups.
Caring For
Caring for limestone is easy. It is generally best in a low traffic indoor setting. Certain stone treatments can be used to seal the stone, and if you are interested in these you should ask a local stone professional for their advice on the right sealer to use on your stone.
Uses
Limestone is used in counters, floors, paving, surface re-facing, and recently it has been incorporated into stone home furnishing items such as coasters, tables, and chess boards. Limestone is used to produce lime, to help extract iron, and in many concretes. It is a stone with a wide number of uses.
About the Author
Joey Lewitin is an author, a designer, and an artist. Check his website to see some of his creations such as a variety of Decorative wall clocks and
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