STONE TYPES
Limestone – Warm, natural and versatile
Limestone is a natural stone that has been used in architecture and interior design for centuries. Its soft, warm appearance and subtle color variations make limestone popular for floors, facades and interior finishes. Well-known examples include Belgian bluestone (Arduin), the light Moleanos and the elegant Jura limestone.
Origin
Limestone is formed by the accumulation and hardening of seashells and fossils. It is quarried worldwide, but many popular types come from Europe:
- Moleanos – A light limestone from Portugal, soft beige with fossil inclusions.
- Jura – German limestone, available in grey and beige shades, often with visible fossils.
- Entreporte – Portuguese limestone with warm, light colors.
- Arduin (Belgian bluestone) – One of the best-known and most durable limestones.
Popular types of limestone
- Moleanos – Light shade, ideal for floors and walls.
- Jura – Grey/beige with fossil structures, timeless character.
- Entreporte – Warm shades, suitable for both classic and modern applications.
- Arduin (Belgian bluestone) – Durable, frost-resistant and widely used outdoors.
- Kayden – Calm beige limestone, popular in interiors.
- Witsteen – Light and sleek, often used in facades and ornaments.
Applications of limestone
Limestone is widely applicable, both indoors and outdoors:
- Indoors - Floors, windowsills, bathroom walls and fireplace cladding.
- Outdoors - Facade cladding, thresholds, terraces and stairs.
- Decorative - Ornaments, columns and custom-made furniture.
Properties of limestone
- Hardness - Softer than granite or quartzite.
- Scratch sensitivity - Can show scratches and wear more quickly.
- Porosity - Fairly porous. Impregnation is recommended.
- Colour - Warm, natural shades from light beige to dark blue-grey.
- Frost-resistant - Depending on the type; Belgian bluestone is very suitable for outdoor use.
Pros and cons of limestone
advantages
- Warm, natural look.
- Lots of variation in colour and structure.
- Suitable for classic and modern designs.
- Belgian bluestone is very durable and frost-resistant
Disadvantages
- Softer than granite; more sensitive to scratches and acids.
- Regular maintenance required (impregnation, cleaning).
- Some types are less suitable for heavily used outdoor areas.
Treatment & maintenance tips for limestone
- Impregnation – Protects against stains and moisture penetration.
- Cleaning – Use neutral cleaning agents; avoid acids and aggressive products.
- Periodic maintenance – For floors and outdoor use, re-impregnation may be necessary.
- Avoid acidic products – Citric acids, vinegar, or wine can cause stains.
Curious which limestone best suits your project?
Feel free to contact us and discover the possibilities of Moleanos, Jura, Arduin, and other limestones.