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Limestone Countertop FAQ

What is Limestone?

Limestone is sedimentary rock consisting mostly of organic material such as skeletons and shells of marine creatures and sediments. It is formed by material which settles to the bottom of bodies of water, and over millions of years, solidifies (lithifies) into solid rock. Earth movements over extremely long periods of earth′s history can lift limestone miles into the air. The summit of Mount Everest is limestone that started out on an ocean floor.

Can I have limestone countertop in my kitchen?

Like marble, polished limestone countertop is subject to surface changes or damage from kitchen acids including citrus juices, vinegars, mustards, and so forth. Unsealed, some of the more porous limestones can be subject to stains. If the limestone countertop is polished or semi-polished, you will see a rough spot where the substance sat on the stone. On a honed surface, such etches will be less noticeable.

Is limestone soft and chalky?

No, not at all. There are some limestone countertops such as made from Beauharnais that are very hard and dense, nearly as hard and resistant as granite, and extremely non-porous. Keep in mind, though, that these very hard limestone countertops are still calcium-based and, if polished, are subject to damage from household acids.