When you stare at the attributes and swirls of limestone countertops, you’re looking at the remains of tiny shells and microskeletons resurrected from their sea beds. This organic, sedimentary rock was compressed after years of the matter lying on the ocean floor, and can you believe your pristine, perfectly-edged stone was once referred to as this pelagic ooze? If we’re going to get scientific, limestone is made of calcium carbonate, and you can see how it formed in layers called bedding planes. Bedding planes are ultimately the only reason you can curse limestone kitchen countertops, because the vertical cracks within the layers cause the rock to be permeable and stain-friendly. However, most homeowners know this beforehand and sacrifice maintenance for limestone’s beautiful aesthetics. If limestone is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.
What causes the color swirls in limestone?
If you stare closely at the slab, you could see a range of browns to rust colors. Although limestone is a stark white, impurities such as clay, sand, iron oxide and other factors cause color variations throughout the material. If you’re into that distressed look, these colors pop even more on weathered surfaces. Limestone peeks out of the earth in layers called bands that emerge from the surface in rocky outcrops.
Limestone countertop maintenance
Limestone, like all other natural stone countertops, is porous and is highly sensitive to water, oils and chemicals. Caring for the counters takes extra effort and you should always avoid abrasive cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, acids or any other cleaners with ‘All-Purpose’ on the label. Although Rock Fin will seal your countertops upon installation, it’s up to you to perform the routine maintenance with warm water, mild cleansers and a soft towel.
Limestone kitchen countertops Houston
At Rock Fin, we carry the highest quality of natural and engineered stone. If you’d like to inquire more information about limestone countertop maintenance or our countertop services, request a free online quote today.
