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.
