Gambier Limestone

About
Item Details
- Material Type:
- Limestone
- Origin:
Australia (Marte area, 10 km west of Mount Gambier, SouthEast of South Australia) - Primary Color(s):
- Beige
- Recommended Usage:
- Monuments, building stone, ornamental stone, stairs, interior, exterior wall and floor applications, mosaic, wall panels, reliefs, window sills, balustrades, columns, wall and pool copings, pool pavers, sculptures, fireplaces, cobbles, pavers, curbstone
- Additional Names:
- Gambier Stone, Mount Gambier Limestone, Mt Gambier Limestone, Mount Gambier Stone, Mt Gambier Stone, Mount Gambler Coralline Limestone, Bruhn Limestone, Gambier Limestone
- Finished Surface:
- Bush Hammered,Tumbled,Brushed,Honed,Split,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Sandblasted,Combed,Leathered,Water Jet,Filled,Chiseled,Pickling
Testing
- Water Absorption:
- 0.39 by volume %, 0.32 by weight %
- Density:
- 1210 Kg/m3
- Flexural Strength:
- 2 �C 4 MPa
- Compressive Strength:
- Dry 3.55 MPa, Soaked 1.4 MPa
Description
Gambier Limestone is a distinctive ivory white to pale brown fossiliferous limestone quarried in the Marte area, approximately 10 km west of Mount Gambier in the Southeast of South Australia. Known for its relatively light weight, softness, and easy workability, Gambier Limestone is widely used in heritage, commercial, and residential projects.
Texture and Pattern
Texture: Fine to medium-grained, soft, porous texture.
Pattern: Subtle banding or mottling with occasional visible fossil fragments, shell particles, and natural variations in tone.
Visual: Uniform creamy appearance ranging from ivory to light beige and pale brown hues.
Technical Test Results (typical values)
- Compressive Strength: 10 – 18 MPa
- Flexural Strength: ~2 – 4 MPa
- Water Absorption: 15 – 25% by weight (due to porosity)
- Density: 1400 – 1600 kg/m³
- Porosity: ~30 – 40%
- Hardness (Mohs): 2.5 – 3
Chemical Composition (% by weight)
Typical for carbonate sedimentary rocks:
- Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): 90–96%
- Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃): 1–4%
- Silica (SiO₂): 1–3%
- Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃): <1%
- Alumina (Al₂O₃): <1%
Mineral Composition (% by weight)
- Calcite: 90–96%
- Dolomite: 1–4%
- Clay minerals / Silicates: trace
- Fossil content: visible in certain beds
Usage
- Exterior cladding (low-rise buildings, ventilated façades)
- Heritage restoration
- Interior wall linings
- Fireplaces and decorative elements
- Carving and sculpture
- Blocks and sawn building stone
- Garden features and landscaping
Maintenance
Being soft and porous, Gambier Limestone is not ideal for heavy-traffic flooring or wet areas without sealing. Regular sealing is strongly recommended, especially for exterior or damp environments. Clean with pH-neutral products. Avoid acids and high-pressure washing. Periodic inspection for surface erosion or staining in outdoor use is advised.
Cutting Sizes (cm)
Custom and standard sizes are available:
Tiles: 30x30, 40x40, 60x30, 60x60, 80x40 cm
Panels/Slabs: up to 200 x 100 cm
Thicknesses: commonly 20, 30, 40 mm; custom cuts possible
Surface Finish Options
- Honed (most common)
- Sandblasted
- Brushed
- Bush-hammered
- Sawn
- Natural split (rustic look for landscaping)
PROPERTY-- RANGE OF VALUES
Colour White Cream to pale brown
Grain Size Fine to medium, clastic
Nature Fragmental, organic limestone (fossiliferous: bryozoal).
Composition Dominantly calcite, trace dolomite.
Porosity (effective) % 36 – 44 (average % 39.9)
Porosity (total) % 63 – 59 (average % 56.4)
Saturation coefficient 0.68 – 0.74 (average 0.71)
Compressive strength Mpa
--Dry 1.08 – 5.71 (average 3.55 MPa)
--Soaked 0.7 – 2.1 (average 1.4 MPa)
Modulus of Rupture MI’53 – 58
Dry 1.0 – 2.7 1.7
Soaked 0.7 – 2.1 1.4
Young's Modulus MI’a 10
Dry 0.57 – 7.70 (average 2.2)
Soaked 0.38 – 3.69 (average 1.5)
Poisson's Ratio
Dry -0.14 – 0.64 (average 0.18)
Soaked -1.05 – 0.87 (average 0.08)
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity m/sec --1660 – 2445 (average 2140 m/sec)
Dimensional Instability, % 0.02 – 0.06 (average %0.05 )
Coefficient of Thermal expansion, mm/mm/ C 10 3 – 6 (average 5)






















