Masonry Magazine November 2010 Page. 16
Indiana Limestone: A Natural Wonder
How and why calcium carbonate, deposited over millions of years as marine fossils decomposed at the bottom of the sea, play a role in American architecture.
What do some of the most prestigious works of American architecture, namely the Empire State Building, the Pentagon, and the Washington National Cathedral have in common? They all were built with natural Indiana limestone from Indiana Limestone Co., as were 35 of 50 state capitol buildings. With more than a century of monumental projects to showcase the beauty and durability of this natural stone, Indiana limestone continues to be used and desired in today's architecture. Indiana limestone can be found on all sizes and types of buildings, from convention centers to college campuses, from New York City high rises to local high schools, and from residences to monuments across the country.
Indiana limestone provides innovative design solutions for architects and designers, and has a long kinship as the mason's friend, since it's a durable, natural stone that's readily available and easy to work in the field. As a natural stone, Indiana limestone provides beauty, durability, versatility, and ease-of-maintenance to every project, big or small. Technological advances in both quarrying and fabrication have made the material more affordable than ever.
300 million years in the making
From where did this fine natural stone come? A shallow inland sea covered most of the Midwest during the Mississippian age, more than 300 million years ago. Indiana limestone is primarily formed of the calcium carbonate that was deposited over millions of years as marine fossils decomposed at the bot-
Indiana limestone patio pavers, pool coping, and wall cap combine with other types of natural stone to create a smooth and pleasing outdoor living area that stays cool to the touch.