How It Forms
What Is
Limestone?
Limestone forms from the accumulation of calcium carbonate — primarily from marine organisms like shells, coral, and skeletal fragments — on the ocean floor over millions of years. The material compacts and cements into rock. Unlike marble, limestone has not been subjected to metamorphic heat and pressure, which is why it is softer and more porous than its metamorphic counterpart.
How It Looks
Limestone has a warm, muted palette — creams, tans, beiges, and soft greys. Its appearance is generally more subtle than marble, with less dramatic veining and more uniform color. It often contains visible fossil impressions and natural texture that gives it an organic, aged character. Finishes range from polished to honed to tumbled.
