Limestone
Jenny Lee
General Information
Limestone is classified as a sedimentary rock that is composed of mainly calcium carbonate, tiny fossils, and shell fragments. It comes in a series of neutral colors ranging from gray, white, yellow, and brown. The color of the limestone depends on where the stone was harvested.
Limestone is a durable and long-lasting material that helps with utility costs in the long run. It is also flameproof and fire-resistant making it perfect for commercial applications. However, it is porous and too soft to polish and is therefore easily scratched.
Limestone is most commonly found underwater where companies will dive to dig from these large deposits. This material can also form through evaporation in caves where water pours through. After it is quarried, limestone is prepared for the kilns by crushing and sizing. It is then calcined and processed through hydration.
It is susceptible to staining especially with oil and grease stains that will leave dark spots. Limestone also reacts to acids due to its carbonate composition. Therefore, when periodically washing limestone, use only water and neutral cleaners to avoid damage.
Use in Interior Setting
1. This bathroom sink countertop utilizes limestone in this beachside home that highlights natural materials.
2. This set of furniture uses limestone as solid material rather than just using it as a surface. Some pieces have smooth, rounded edges while others show a more rugged design.
3. These limestone walls and floors in this shop provide a natural and minimalistic backdrop that allows the merchandise to be the highlight.
4. This lamp was made from portland limestone which is a mixture of typically limestone and clay.
5. These flooring tiles are made of Genova brushed and tumbled limestone tiles which showcase the natural patterns of the stone.
Environmental Impact
Limestone mining causes several disturbances to the environment. It releases large quantities of dust emissions and causes habitat loss and change in oceanic regions. Groundwater quality is also affected by limestone quarrying as this increases sediments and introduces oil/gas spills into the ocean.
However, regionally manufactured and extracted limestone reduces greenhouse gasses. Though it is not typically discardable at the end of its lifetime due to its durability, some recycling companies such as LSI Stone transform limestone waste into raw material for concrete, roads, and glass.
Limestone does not have an effect on indoor air quality.
Count
A limestone countertop can come in many different finishes that are specified to have the desired look. A honed finish has a dull sheen while a sandblast finish provides extra traction. In this case, a polished finish would be used for a glossy surface. A countertop with a rough edge profile would give a rustic, unfinished feel.
Construction Specification Institute (CSI):
Master Format Division 04 - Masonry
Master Format Divison 09 - Interior Finishes
Testing Organizations:
The National Lime Association - https://www.lime.org/
Contract Laboratory -https://www.contractlaboratory.com/outsourcing/laboratory-requests.cfm?industry=Limestone
Relevant standards through ASTM:
C170 - Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
C97 - Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone
C99 - Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone
Sources
1. Knowles, E. & Miller, K. (2014) "A Comprehensive Guide for Selecting Interior Finishes."
2. https://www.gsa.gov/node/88304?Form_Load=88341
3. https://www.limestone.com/about-us/limestone-learning-center/where-is-limestone-found/
4. https://www3.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/ch11/final/c11s17.pdf
6. https://sciencing.com/weathering-erosion-harmful-23923.html
7. https://lsi-stone.com/2021/03/15/sustainability-and-limestone-waste/