
We import limestone in slab and tile for all your
needs. Limestone is traditionally used for flooring, both
interior and exterior, cladding and formal stairs / entryway.
We are continuously getting in new colors, please call if you don't
see the color you are looking for.
Limestone specifications can be found at the bottom of this
page.
click for larger image...
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Merida Yellow |
Java
Cream |
Phili Green |
Ginto |
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Porto Beige |
Lagos Blue |
Gascogne Blue |
Isis Gold |
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| Princess Gold |
Jura Beige |
Sahara Gold |
Seagrass |
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Sisal |
Hebraron White |
Ramon Grey |
Ramon Gold |
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Jerusalem Bone |
Nube
Rosa |
Chestnut Brown |
Opal Brown |
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| Inca Gold |
Crema Cappucino |
Bateig Cream |
Jerusalem Gold |
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| Sand Flower |
Jerusalem Honey |
Antalia Cream |
Jura Grey |
Limestone 4" tiles for a beautiful
kitchen backsplash or bathroom renovation
 
  
Limestone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Limestone is a chemical sedimentary rock composed largely of the
mineral calcite (calcium carbonate: CaCO3). Limestones often contain
variable amounts of silica in the form of chert or flint, as well as
amounts of clay, silt and sand as disseminations, nodules, or layers
within the rock unit. The primary source of this calcite is most
commonly marine organisms. These organisms secrete shells that
settle out of the water column and are deposited on ocean floors as
pelagic ooze (see lysocline for information on calcite dissolution).
Secondary calcite may also be deposited by supersaturated meteoric
waters (groundwater that precipitates the material in caves). This
produces speleothems such as stalagmites and stalactites. Another
form is composed of oolites (oolitic limestone) and can be
recognised by its granular appearance. Limestone makes up about 10
percent of the total volume of all sedimentary rocks.
Pure limestones are white or almost white. Because of impurities,
such as clay, sand, organic remains, iron oxide and other materials,
many limestones exhibit different colors, especially on weathered
surfaces. Limestone may be crystalline, clastic, granular, or
massive, depending on the method of formation. Crystals of calcite,
quartz, dolomite or barite may line small cavities in the rock. Folk
and Durham classifications are used to describe limestones more
precisely.
Travertine is a banded, compact variety of limestone formed along
streams, particularly where there are waterfalls and around hot or
cold springs. Calcium carbonate is deposited where evaporation of
the water leaves a solution that is supersaturated with chemical
constituents of calcite. Tufa, a porous or cellular variety of
travertine, is found near waterfalls. Coquina is a poorly
consolidated limestone composed of pieces of coral or shells.
During regional metamorphism limestone recrystallizes into marble.
Limestone is a parent material of Mollisol soil group.
Limestone landscape
Main article: Karst topography
Limestone is partially soluble, especially in acid, and therefore
forms many erosion landforms. These include limestone pavements, pot
holes, caves and gorges. Such erosion landscapes are known as
karsts. Limestone is less resistant than most igneous rocks, but
more resistant than most other sedimentary rocks. Limestone is
therefore usually associated with hills and downland and occurs in
regions with other sedimentary rocks, typically clays.
Bands of limestone emerge from the Earth's surface in often
spectacular rocky outcrops and islands. Examples include the Burren
in Co. Clare, Ireland; the Verdon Gorge in France; Malham Cove in
North Yorkshire, England; the Niagara Escarpment in Canada/USA and
the Ha Long Bay National Park in Vietnam.
Uses of limestone
Limestone is especially popular in architecture, and many landmarks
around the world, especially in North America and Europe, are made
primarily of the material. So many buildings in Kingston, Ontario,
Canada were constructed from it, that it was nicknamed the
'Limestone City'. Limestone is readily available and relatively easy
to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving. It is also
long-lasting and stands up well to exposure. However, it is a very
heavy material, making it impractical for tall buildings. It is also
quite expensive. Limestone was most popular in the early 20th and
late 19th centuries. Train stations, banks and other structures from
that era are normally limestone. Limestone is used as a facade on
some skyscrapers, but only in thin plates for covering rather than
solid blocks. In the United States, Indiana has long been noted as a
source of high quality quarried building Indiana limestone, while
many famous buildings in London are built from Portland limestone.
Though the limestone used for construction is good for humid
climates, it is vulnerable to acids, making acid rain a problem when
it occurs in places where limestone is used extensively. The acids
in the water can wear away the details of statues and other art.
Limestone is also used to manufacture quicklime (calcium oxide).
Pulverized limestone is used as a soil conditioner to neutralize
acid soil conditions.
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