Most people encounter limestone every day. Crushed limestone in Austin, TX, for example, is commonly seen in residential and commercial landscaping. It can be used for driveways and decorative areas around buildings. It’s also hidden in areas where contractors placed it for drainage purposes, including in residential septic tank drain fields. Buildings may have crushed limestone underneath them as a base for the foundation. They also may have shingles on the roof with more finely crushed limestone granules.
Limestone has been a common architectural component throughout history, although its vulnerability to acid has caused problems because of rain containing more acid than normal. Certain cities in North America have a large number of buildings made of limestone. In fact, on the other side of the globe, the Great Pyramid in Egypt was constructed of this material.
Origins of Limestone
Interestingly, a large amount of limestone has originated at the bottom of seas and oceans. That makes people wonder why the material is so prevalent in areas of the United States that don’t have these waterways. It’s important to remember that the earth’s composition has changed dramatically since it first formed some 4.5 billion years ago.
The remnants of ancient seas can be found in crushed limestone in Austin, TX. Much limestone had its origins in the shells of ancient sea creatures. Geologically, this is known as shelly limestone. Oolitic limestone, on the other hand, contains tiny spheres of sand grains held together by lime mud made of calcium carbonate.
Limestone Colors
The color of this material typically is white, off-white, pale gray or yellowish. It can be additional colors, though, depending on whether certain minerals or other substances formed with the stone. To be classified as limestone, the material must have at least 50 percent calcium carbonate.
Ordering a Load
A load of crushed limestone can be ordered from a company such as Loftin Trucking & Materials LLC and delivered to the customer’s property. It might be used for an unpaved patio area, keeping this part of the yard a bit more natural and rustic than a concrete surface would entail.
