Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock, formed through the deposit of organic and mineral materials on the surface of the earth and underwater. Rock formed in this way covers an incredible 75-80% of the Earth, and other types of sedimentary rock include dolostone, conglomerate, shale and chalk. Limestone is largely made up of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and contains clay, flint, sand, and various types of marine organisms. The impurities in these organisms mean that different types of limestone are different colours, particularly on weathered, exposed surfaces.

Limestone was very popular as a building material in the middle ages, particularly in Europe and North America. Many medieval European castles and churches were made from limestone, as were the pyramids of Egypt – this is surely the ultimate testament to the longevity of limestone.

Limestone is a very soft yet strong, durable material, and, being soft, is easy to carve and cut into blocks. Thus, the material is ideal for use to fashion into limestone fireplaces. Limestone has been used in fireplaces for hundreds of years, and today there are many types of fireplace made from limestone on the market. The older, original limestone fire surrounds are available from antique fireplace specialists and reclamation yards, whilst other retailers sell excellent reproduction and contemporary limestone fireplaces at a fraction of the price of antique versions.

Limestone, like marble, is very soluble, and especially so if exposed to acid. For this reason, it is important to keep acid-based cleaning solutions away from your limestone fire – instead, use a mild or neutral alkaline-based solution. Acid cleaners will cause etching on your limestone surface, causing scratching and abrasions.

Most limestone fireplaces come in light neutral colours, such as off-white, cream and various shades of beige. Unlike marble fireplaces, limestone can stain easily, so good retailers may recommend you get your limestone fireplace chemically sealed. Keeping such a fireplace clean is relatively simple – just use a damp sponge with soapy water.

The various types of limestone fireplace are:

1. Agean limestone: an off-white coloured limestone from Turkey.

2. Portuguese limestone: the beige-coloured limestone from various regions within Portugal.

3. Moca Crème: a veined, beige Portuguese limestone.

4. Semi Rijio: The cream/fawn limestone with light veining from Portugal and Spain, which is the most popularly used.

5. Other types used include Calisa Capri, an ivory, mottled limestone, and Moleanus, a lightly mottled Portuguese limestone with a slight sheen.

Stone is a heavy material, and it is usually wise to get a professional to fit a stone fireplace. Some retailers and manufacturers offer a fireplace fitting service for a fee, or may be able to put you in touch with a professional capable of doing the job to the expected standards.

If your DIY skills are OK and you wish to have a go at fitting a stone fireplace, here are some tips to help you:

1. If you buy a ready-made stone fireplace, it will come with a fixing kit designed to make fitting easier. Follow instructions carefully and make sure you have all the correct tools to hand. If you do not feel confident handling the job alone, enlist the help of a friend.

2. If you are feeling particularly brave, you may wish to build your stone fireplace from scratch. The first job will be to decide which type of stone is to be used and the style of fireplace to be built – will it reach from floor to ceiling? Go across the whole wall? Whichever type of stone fireplace you build, the supporting structure will have to be built accordingly. Gather all material and tools together.

3. If you are a complete novice, it may be wise to use a stone fireplace kit rather than individual stones – this will be much easier to put together.

4. If you are building a fireplace from scratch, you will need a template. Measure around the fireplace and make the template, according to measurements, on a wooden board.

5. Pack the stone tightly within the template in the chosen pattern, using a diamond blade saw to cut the stones, in order to ensure a good fit.

6. Mix mortar and apply to the back of each stone, using a trowel. Install stones on the hearth first, in desired pattern. There are many colours of mortar, so choose one that complements the colour of stone used.

7. Build the fireplace frame, with 2 by 4 pieces of wood and a nail gun. Secure in place.

8. Fix stones to the frame with mortar. When this has dried, use mortar to fill any spaces between the stones.

9. Place grout between the stones, using a damp sponge to wipe any excess away. If slate is used, a sealer will need to be applied.

If this is your first attempt at fitting a fireplace, it is probably wise to stick to a basic design. If you want something elaborate, it is always best to seek the advice of a professional in regard to fitting a stone fireplace.

There are several varieties of Yorkshire – or York – stone. These include limestone from the Yorkshire Dales, gritstone from the Pennines and Yorkshire sandstone.

The Open Fire Centre, Oldham, sells a good variety of York stone fireplaces. There are 20 to choose from, so there really is a York stone fireplace to suit everyone. All models are named after Yorkshire rivers, and the Aire is a beautifully simple yet contemporary fireplace, available in 3 types of Yorkshire stone: sandstone, limestone and gritstone. The Colne is a traditional fireplace, featuring a cathedral-arched fireplace opening and intricate patterning to the front of the mantel – available in the same 3 types of York stone as the Aire.

The Ouse is a grand example of a York stone fireplace, and has decorative columns at either side, with decorative mantel- shelf and thick hearth. This fireplace is suitable for freestanding fireplaces, which sit in a recess on the mantel.

All York stone fireplaces are contemporary with a touch of tradition, meaning that they are an ideal focal point for any home, traditional or modern. For prices or any other queries regarding their range of fireplaces, contact The Open Fire Centre.

York stone hearths are also available at the Open Fire Centre, and these are ideal for use with stoves. All types of York stone are very durable and able to withstand the heat from a burning stove extremely well. Also, the stone is very easy to clean – for general cleaning, simply use a clean damp cloth. For stubborn marks, warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush should easily remove such markings. There are various types of York stone fireplace hearths available, such as 5 piece ones suitable for the hottest fires, and curved or facetted hearths, ideal for corner stoves.

Stone lends itself well to modern interiors, with its neutral colour and ability to be easily carved into any type of contemporary design. Many people have a modern stone fireplace in their homes, with stone being one of the most in-demand fireplace materials, due to its versatility and the fact that it is extremely hardwearing.

Modern Fireplaces Direct sells an excellent range of modern stone fireplaces at low prices. The Jura Stone collection is made from natural Jura stone, and may be used with all types of fire. Jura stone is scratch and stain resistant, meaning the fireplace will look its best for many years to come. The Cartmel Package consists of a contemporary Jura stone surround with arched fireplace opening and a gas or remote- controlled electric fire. The Cranbourne Jurastone fireplace package features a simple yet beautiful contemporary fire surround, with matching hearth and slips in Jurastone.

Modern Fireplaces Direct also has a marble and limestone collection, and white limestone paired with black marble makes for a modern stone fireplace that will look amazing in any contemporary setting. The Premier Stonehenge fireplace is made from pure cream limestone, and its simple angular finish is the ultimate in modernity. The contrasting black granite hearth is not included in the price, but may be purchased separately. The Woburn Limestone package features a simple limestone fireplace mantel, complete with fireback, fire and black granite hearth. For any queries, contact the company.

There are hundreds of stone fireplace retailers and manufacturers in the UK, offering various styles of contemporary fireplaces in all types of stone. Many of these have online sites in addition to their high street stores, whilst some operate exclusively on the web. If you are interested in purchasing a modern stone fireplace, check out the Internet for the best possible deals and prices.