Indiana Limestone: complete guide

History and origin

It is quarried in southern Indiana, in the United States, and is one of the most important building stones in American architecture. It has been used in a great many public buildings and skyscrapers, including the façade of the Empire State Building. Its ease of working makes it suitable for mouldings, capitals and sculpture. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.

Look and veining

The colour ranges from a light beige known as buff to light grey, with a very even texture made up of tiny spherical grains called ooids and fossil fragments. The slabs are fairly uniform, with variations in tone depending on the selection. Typical finishes are honed, sandblasted and sawn, all matt.

Technical properties (indicative)

Recommended uses

It is suitable for façade cladding, cornices, window sills, columns, fireplaces and sculpture. Indoors it is used for walls and floors with a matt finish. It is not recommended for kitchen worktops or surfaces exposed to oil and acid stains.

Care and maintenance

Treat with a breathable water repellent, especially outdoors. Clean with water and neutral detergents, avoiding high-pressure washers on carved surfaces. Organic stains are treated with poultices made for stone.

Pairings

• bronze or dark steel window frames
• facing brick
• slate for roofing and details

FAQ