Limestone

Sedimentary and everywhere. The stone that built the great cathedrals.

Limestone is an old sea floor. Most of it is the accumulated shells of billions of tiny marine creatures that lived, died, and drifted down to the bottom, then compacted into rock over a few million years.

Where it shows up

texture     fine, even, cream to grey
fossils     often — shells, crinoids, coral
mortal      acid-soluble, soft, carves like butter
used in     cathedrals, portland stone, lime mortar

Carving it

Limestone is the beginner's marble. It cuts easily, sharpens to crisp edges, and forgives mistakes better than anything else. Most of the great Gothic façades are limestone, cut with tools not much better than yours.

Stunning limestone cliffs with rugged texture against clear blue sky, showcasing natural beauty and rocky formations.
Limestone, up close.photo · Thierry Martine