Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate in the form of the mineral calcite. It is formed when layers of minerals, fine sediment, and organic matter (primarily the skeletal remains of ancient marine organisms) are deposited and accumulated over time on the ocean floor.
It is an exceptionally strong, dense rock with well-consolidated pores. This enables most limestone to have a very low water absorption rate. As a result, this stone is very durable, resistant to abrasion, and able to withstand freeze-thaw conditions, which makes it an ideal paver stone. Although it is very dense, limestone is partially soluble in water and is quite reactive to acidic solutions. This is why limestone is easily eroded by waterways and rivers, and is degraded by acidic rain. Throughout the world, this water erosion created many natural caves and rock formations.
Limestone is an essential industry material and is used in more ways than any other stone. It is mainly used in construction as a crushed aggregate for road building and as an aggregate for concrete. Ground to a fine powder and heated with other materials, it is a key ingredient in the production of Portland cement, mortar, and other cementitious products. Lime is also created from the stone, which is used in many industries in the production of metals, household products, cosmetics, medicine, livestock production, and neutralizing acidic soils in farming.
Limestone is consistently found in homogenous blends of earthy tones of grey, beige, brown, black, and blue. Stone deposits may be of a singular consistent colour with little patterning. Other deposits may have a distinct veining or fleuri visible on the stone’s top surface. Impurities found in the stone such as clay, sand, organics, and iron oxides will cause the stone to exhibit various colours, as it is naturally weathered and exposed to the elements.
China is the global leader in limestone production followed by India. Limestone deposits are quite prevalent in North America with much of the production coming from the U.S. mid-west, and Canada. Northwestern Europe is also a major producer.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. During this metamorphosis, the primary mineral found in limestone calcite recrystallizes, transforming it to marble. Like its originating form of limestone, marble is a hard and durable stone that is valued for its architectural use, as it is the choice stone for most carved sculptures.
It is also widely used as an aggregate for construction. As a stone paver and flooring material, marble is a popular choice when a polished surface is desired.
This material is very light in colour with the most pure forms having white tones. Significant visible veining or streaks of colour can be seen throughout most marble surfaces. These streaks are the remaining mineral composition and layers from the source limestone. These minerals and other impurities present such as clay and iron will alter the stone colour with hues of blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, grey, and black.
Marble deposits are found throughout the world, but primarily in the U.S., China, Brazil, Italy, India, and Turkey.
I like the idea of using natural stone as a paver in my hardscaping project, and I agree that no two stones are alike. That unique style to each stone would really resonate with the rest of my yard, where I’m really trying to create a very natural woodsy feel with lots of trees and a fountain. I like how you break down the history and uses of each stone, and I really like the earthy tones you describe for limestone; I’ll have to talk to a contractor about paving with that.
http://www.decorativecreations.com/services/hardscaping.html
It’s very interesting to know what paving paths and walkways date back to well before the rise of the Roman Empire, even before they became ornamental elements to landscaped lawns. The difference though is in the type of stone pavers to use, which now can be made to the client’s choice of color, texture, pattern, and cost. I appreciate this fact because we’re planning to preserve our big lawn at the country house and paving stones would definitely help save our manicured grass lawns from getting trampled upon by wheels and feet. Comprehensive article for reference here! http://www.decorativecreations.com/hardscaping
Thank you for explaining what hardscaping is. My husband would love to have nice paving in our backyard. I am sure that we could find a great company to install them for us! http://whiteoaklm.com