Comblanchien Clair Limestone is a fine-grained Jurassic limestone quarried in Comblanchien, Villers-la-Faye, Nuits-St.-Georges, in the Côte d'Or department of Bourgogne (Burgundy), France. This region is globally renowned for high-quality limestone deposits, used for centuries in French architecture and sculpture.

Visual Appearance and Texture

• Color: Earthy light beige base, often uniform, with darker beige to light brown hues and occasional fossilized shell or coral segments.
• Texture: Fine to very fine-grained, with a dense structure and smooth feel.
• Pattern: Generally homogeneous but may contain subtle veining or fossilized remains of marine organisms, which add natural character.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Water Absorption .... 0.49%
• Density .... 174.3 lbs/ft³ (2660 kg/m³)
• Flexural Strength .... 1984 psi (17.4 MPa)
• Compressive Strength .... 22,705 psi (203.4 MPa)
• Hardness .... Comparable to 3-4 on the Mohs scale

These values indicate that Comblanchien Clair Limestone is dense, durable, and relatively low in porosity, making it suitable for both interior and exterior use.

Chemical and Mineral Composition (% by weight)

(Typical values based on Burgundian limestone samples)

• Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) .... 95–98%
• Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃) .... 1–2%
• Silica (SiO₂) .... < 1%
• Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃) .... < 0.5%
• Alumina (Al₂O₃) .... < 0.5%
• Organic Materials / Fossils .... Trace amounts The high calcium carbonate content gives it a creamy color and polishable finish, while fossil inclusions enhance its decorative appeal.

Common Uses

• Interior: Flooring, wall cladding, stairs, countertops, bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds.
• Exterior: Façades, paving, balustrades, columns, monuments.
• Architectural and Restoration Projects: Especially valued in heritage restorations due to its historical use in French architecture.

Maintenance

• Sealing: Recommended for high-traffic or wet areas to prevent staining.
• Cleaning: Use pH-neutral stone cleaners; avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners.
• Repairs: Easily repaired or refinished if scratched or worn over time.

Available Cutting Sizes

Standard Slabs: cm: 2 cm and 3 cm thick inch: ~0.75" and 1.18"

Tiles / Cut-to-size Panels: 30×30 cm, 40×40 cm, 60×30 cm, 60×40 cm, 60×60 cm

Custom sizes available upon request

Blocks: Available in raw quarry blocks suitable for custom fabrication.

Surface Finish Options

• Honed (matte, smooth, natural)
• Polished (glossy, reflective surface)
• Brushed (textured with soft aging effect)
• Bush-hammered (rough, anti-slip texture for exterior use)
• Sandblasted
• Tumbled (antique finish)

Summary

Comblanchien Clair Limestone is an elegant, durable natural stone with a clean aesthetic and rich geological history. Its consistent light beige color, fine texture, and fossil accents make it a favorite for both classical and contemporary applications. With excellent mechanical strength, low water absorption, and multiple finishing options, it is a versatile choice for designers, architects, and builders.