Cottonwood Top Ledge Limestone is a natural stone quarried in the United States, specifically from Maple Hill, Kansas. This limestone is known for its light creamy buff color, often exhibiting shades of beige. It is popular for its aesthetic appeal and various advantageous physical and mechanical properties.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Water Absorption: 6.51%, This indicates the stone's porosity and tendency to absorb moisture, which is relatively moderate for limestone.

• Density: 2170 kg/m³, The density reveals the compactness of the stone, affecting its durability and strength.

• Flexural Strength: 1,053 Psi (Dry, Parallel to Rift), This measures the stone's ability to resist deformation under load, indicating good bending strength.

• Compressive Strength: 5,686 Psi (Dry, Parallel to Rift), This is an important measure of the material's ability to withstand axial loads, showing excellent compressive strength.

• Hardness:Limestone generally ranks around 3-4 on the Mohs scale of hardness, indicating a relatively soft stone compared to granite or quartz.

• Porosity:Generally porous; specific porosity values are not detailed, but its water absorption rate gives an indirect indication of the stone's porosity level.

• Slip Resistance:This property is variable depending on the finish applied; honed finishes tend to be more slip-resistant than polished ones.

Chemical and Mineral Compositions (% by Weight)

The exact chemical makeup can vary slightly based on specific quarry samples, but generally, limestone primarily consists of:

• Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): Predominantly, often 90% or greater.
• Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃): Sometimes present in smaller quantities.
• Silica (SiO₂), Alumina (Al₂O₃), Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃): Trace amounts contributing to its color and minor impurities.

Usage

Cottonwood Top Ledge Limestone is versatile and can be used for:

• Interior and Exterior Wall Cladding: Adds aesthetic and textural appeals.
• Flooring: Suitable for both interior and exterior use due to its durability.
• Countertops: Offers a natural look ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Monumental Stone: Used in historical constructions and restorations.
• Architectural Detailing: Such as cornices, moldings, and door surrounds.

Maintenance

• Requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Use mild soap and avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners.
• Sealing is recommended to reduce water absorption and staining.

Cutting Sizes (cm)

Commonly available in various standard tile and slab sizes but can be custom-cut to specification. Typical sizes include:

• Tiles: 30x30, 30x60, 60x60
• Slabs: Custom sizes available according to project requirements

Available Common Surface Finish Options

• Honed: Smooth, matte-like finish offering better slip resistance.
• Polished: Glossy finish that enhances the color and texture.
• Brushed: Textured finish giving a more rustic appearance.
• Tumbled: Creates a weathered, antique look suitable for traditional aesthetics.

In summary, Cottonwood Top Ledge Limestone is an attractive and durable material suitable for a variety of architectural applications. Its aesthetic qualities combined with its physical and mechanical properties make it ideal for both interior and exterior projects. Proper maintenance ensures that it remains a beautiful fixture in any setting.