The History of Limestone
Limestone Over The Centuries
Limestone is a natural, sedimentary rock that people have used in a number of ways for thousands of years. Its origins can be traced as far back as the Egyptian pyramids and is still used to this day in modern industries and architecture. Take a look at some of these uses for limestone in the past and present, to get an understanding of just how long lasting and versatile it is.
Lime Mortar Floors
Limestone flooring can be traced back to modern Israel as far back as 7000 BCE. The flooring was manufactured from hydrated lime that was heated up and laid down as floors. Limestone flooring is still highly popular today. It is a valuable housing element that is durable, beautiful, functional, and easy to maintain.
Pyramids And Temples
There are dozens of limestone deposits that flank the Nile River in Egypt and those deposits have been used to construct pyramids and temples all over the country. The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed of around 2.3 million blocks of limestone. These pyramids and temples were built as far back as 2560 BCE.
Roman Production
Around 300 BCE the Romans improved upon limestone production and used lime mortar for the construction of their buildings. Lime mixed with volcanic ash is found in many types of cement all around Rome that can harden in air or under water to make buildings and other structures more powerful and strong.
Roman Roads
The Romans also started using limestone cement as a base core and filler to hold road stones together around 10 CE. While most people think of limestone as a flooring surface today, it is often mixed with other elements to create strong cement that holds together well.
The Great Tower Of London
When Henry III reigned over England, he wanted to whiten the inside and outside of the Great Tower of London, which was done using a lime mixture that painted over the stonework to create the coloring. The calcium carbonate within the lime gave a bright white appearance to the tower in 1240.
The Great Wall Of China Restoration
The Great Wall was restored during the Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 using lime mortar to cement the stonework into place and restore its sturdy beauty.
Fertilizer In Agriculture
Lime became increasingly popular as a food production product and crop fertilizer in the 16th century. It improved livestock and land diets to help things grow stronger and more healthy.
Limestone Today
There is an annual usage of 5000 million tons of limestone. It is prevalent in building and construction as well as cement, agriculture, and even steel production. It is prominent as a custom home feature as well and many homeowners enjoy limestone countertops, walls, floors, stairs, or more unique items like fountains, fireplace or door surrounds, and columns. If you’d like to place limestone in your home, you know it has a long, detailed, extravagant history. Limestone is durable, long-lasting and good for a variety of uses. Contact the professionals at Impression to get the details you need so you can this iconic material into your home in a way that fits in with your present-day lifestyle.
