What Is Honed Limestone Flooring?

Definition of Limestone

• Limestone is a well-known sedimentary rock found in varying colors of beige, brown and gold hues. Sedimentary rock is created from sediment -- the accumulation of minerals and organic materials that form during the erosion and weathering of the earth's surface. Sediment forms in one area and travels through the forces of wind, rain and the movement of the surface during earthquakes, tremors and glacial shifting. Limestone is not veined like a marble but produces a more static or cloud like vein. Some limestone has a mottled or cloudy, foggy appearance. Prized pieces of limestone are those that include fossils or fossil imprints.

Definition of Honed

• Honing is a polishing process that stops short of creating the glossy sheen. The honing process creates a matte finish on limestone. A final pass with a finer compound is eliminated from the process to avoid a glossy appearance. Instead, a honed look is created on the limestone by polishing the limestone surface with coarse compounds.

Properties

• Honed limestone has a warm, nonreflective, eggshell-like surface. The stone manages thawing and freezing temperatures well and can be found in all types of weather conditions -- from freezing cold to tropical, damp environs. Limestone falls at a No. 3 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness because it contains large amounts of calcite. Although highly durable, its low Mohs rating is an indication that the stone is soft and porous and can scratch and stain easily. Honing the stone does nothing to prevent this, although hit can help remove flaws.

Maintenance

• Impregnating the honed limestone with a sealer will help prevent staining. Light grinding and sanding can help remove scratches in the limestone surface. Spills should never be left to sit on the limestone and should be wiped away quickly. The stone is particularly susceptible to acids such as fruit juice and vinegar. Therefore, only a cleaner designed specifically for limestone or one recommended by the manufacturer should be used -- mild detergents and a soft cloth work well.