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Types of Limestone: What Are the Various Forms?

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Written by Ross Kernez on September 10, 2019
Edited By Amanda Kaiser, Last Updated On January 01, 2024
Reviewed By Samantha Peterson
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Limestone is a sedimentary rock that forms in shallow waters. The beautiful natural stone is mostly composed of calcium carbonate. But there is not just one type of limestone. In fact, there are many different types of this sedimentary rock. The following is an analysis of different types of limestone. 

What is Limestone Used For? 

Limestone is most often used as a construction material, both in the home and outside the home. Within the home, limestone is most often used for structures such as countertops, backsplashes and vanity tops. Outside the home, limestone is used for many construction purposes, including being combined with crushed shale to create cement. 

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What Are the Different Types of Limestone? 

As mentioned above, there are numerous types of limestone that exist. Below are examples of many different types of limestone. 

Travertine 

Travertine is a form of limestone that is created as a result of precipitation evaporating and forming stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. Much like regular limestone, travertine is often used in home remodeling projects as a countertop, backsplash, vanity top and more. 

Tufa 

Tufa is another commonly found type of limestone. Tufa typically forms near hot springs or lakes where the waters have a high concentration of calcium carbonate. 

Chalk 

Chalk is a soft form of limestone that is light in color. It is formed from the skeletal remains of very small marine organisms such as foraminifera. 

Coquina 

Coquina is a type of limestone that is often formed on beaches as a result of broken shell fragments. 

Oolitic Limestone 

Oolitic Limestone is composed of calcium carbonate oolites, which are tiny grains that are composed of concentric layers. 

Fossiliferous Limestone 

Fossiliferous Limestone is formed by various shell and skeletal fossils. 

Lithographic Limestone 

Lithographic Limestone is a very dense and smooth form of limestone. 

Limestone in the Home: Material Options 

Limestone is often used as a material for many home remodeling projects. Below are many great options that you have for your new limestone countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops or other home surfaces. 

Material Options
Ataija Creme Limestone
Giallo Reale Limestone
Jerusalem White Limestone
Jerusalem Grey Limestone
Valverde Limestone
Moleanos Limestone

Ataija Creme Limestone 

Ataija Creme is a tan colored stone that has strong hints of grey. Its beautiful weathered appearance will look great in any home. 

Giallo Reale Limestone 

This gorgeous gold Italian limestone is great for any home. If you are looking for a light stone to incorporate in your space, Giallo Reale Limestone is a wonderful choice. 

Jerusalem White Limestone 

This beautiful stone is quarried in Israel and is best for low traffic areas of the home, like the bathroom. Perhaps you consider Jerusalem White Limestone for your new vanity top. 

Jerusalem Grey Limestone 

Jerusalem Grey Limestone is similar to Jerusalem White Limestone but is darker in color. This beautiful grey natural stone is often used for vanity tops, tub surrounds and more. 

Valverde Limestone 

This gorgeous natural stone is quarried in Portugal and is a perfect material to use for home structures in low traffic areas, like the bathroom. 

Moleanos Limestone 

Moleanos Limestone is a beautiful beige stone from Portugal. It is a great choice for a bathroom remodel. 

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Limestone is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful natural stones. Whether it is in the home or outside the home, there are many types of limestone that serve many different purposes. This stone is one of the most common building materials that you will find. Whether it is chalk or your new countertop, examples of the various types of limestone surround us every day.

Why you can trust Marble.com
When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.
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