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Lueders Limestone: Architectural Heritage Set In Stone
Take a look at the greatest architecture {in the on the planet, and then take a look at the buildings close to your heart. You'll discover that limestone forms the building blocks for much of our architectural heritage and even our homes.
With a glimpse into the role limestone plays in our architectural heritage, it is simple to see why.
Limestone is a sedimentary stone formed from calcium carbonate. Limestone deposits are largely comprised of tiny, compressed shells and bone fragments from millions of sea organisms. Other components include silica in the form of chert (jasper, chalcedony, flint and so on), silt, sand, and clay. The presence of these components in differing proportions produces a variety of colors and other structural properties.
Limestone continues to be an exceptionally popular building material, as it has been for nearly 5,000 years. While its contemporary use is primarily in Europe and North America, limestone was used to construct the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the related complex in Giza, circa 3,200 B.C. Its hardness and longevity also made it a well-liked building material in the Middle Ages. Many of the medieval churches and castles still standing are made from limestone. Its popularity peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries with many of the era's banks, train stations and museums featuring it in their construction. In modern times, we see limestone being used for the stately decorative facades of skyscrapers.
Limestone is still prominently featured in contemporary architecture's most revered landmarks. It is the material of selection in 35 of 50 state capitol structures, the Empire State Building, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Pentagon. Simply because subtle variances in its composition can have an effect on its durability, particular geographical sources of limestone are considered much more desirable. For many years, Indiana limestone was considered of exceptional quality. After the oil embargoes of the '70s made the price of transporting building materials a concern, Indiana limestone as well as other domestic types were seen as not only ideal options for structural integrity, but for reasons of ecological conscientiousness.
More recently, a variety of limestone called Lueders limestone, sourced from the Lueders Basin in Texas, has emerged as the preferred limestone of builders, masons, engineers and architects. It's harder and denser than other types of limestone, but additionally much less absorbent. Hence, it withstands extreme conditions and maintains its original beauty over the years, far surpassing the longevity of other organic stones.
Champion Stone Company, LLC, which features Lueders limestone, owns the Schkade Mines, which sit on top of the richest Lueders limestone and dolomite deposits in Texas. As one of the fastest growing limestone suppliers in North America, Champion Stone Company is unique in its ability to provide limestone in a breathtaking array of colors and styles. The owner's dedication and high quality have become Champion Stone Company, LLC calling cards.
For more information visit: http://www.championstonecompany.com/
