Lioz Rosa Limestone is a fine-grained, fossilized microcrystalline sedimentary rock with a light reddish to dark pinkish-brick red background, featuring dark red streaks and occasional grey tones. It is quarried in Fervenca, Pero Pinheiro, Sintra, Lisboa, Portugal. This unique limestone exhibits almost marble-like characteristics, making it a prestigious natural stone for various architectural and decorative applications.
Texture & Pattern
Texture: Fine to medium-grained with a compact, microcrystalline structure.
Pattern:
- Light reddish base with dark red streaks and spots.
- Occasionally features grey shades and creamy patches naturally spread throughout the surface.
- Abundant fossilized bioclasts, enhancing the stone’s historical and aesthetic appeal.
- Presence of stylolites, some of which are semi-open and spathized, contributing to natural variation.
Microscopic & Macroscopic Features
Microscopic Features:
- Bioclastic and very spathized (highly recrystallized) structure.
Macroscopic Features:
- Pink microcrystalline matrix, bioclastic, with abundant fossil inclusions.
- Stylolites present, with some partially open and highly recrystallized (spathized) formations.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
- Water Absorption (PTN): 0.16% (very low, indicating high density and durability).
- Apparent Density: 2695 kg/m³ (high, ensuring strength and longevity).
- Open Porosity: 0.42% (low, contributing to reduced moisture absorption and weather resistance).
- Bending (Flexural) Strength: 18 MPa (good resistance for structural and cladding applications).
- Compressive Strength: 88 MPa (high durability under pressure and heavy loads).
Chemical Composition (% by weight)
- CaO (Calcium Oxide): 55-57% (dominant component, typical of limestone).
- SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide): 1-3% (provides minor reinforcement in structure).
- MgO (Magnesium Oxide): 0.8-1.5% (adds to hardness and durability).
- Al2O3 (Aluminum Oxide): 0.5-1.2%
- Fe2O3 (Iron Oxide): 0.3-0.8% (contributes to the reddish coloration).
- K2O (Potassium Oxide): 0.1-0.5%
- Na2O (Sodium Oxide): 0.1-0.3%
- L.O.I. (Loss on Ignition): 40-44% (represents carbonates, indicating a highly calcitic nature).
Hardness & Durability
- Mohs Hardness: 3-4 (typical for limestone, moderately scratch-resistant).
- Abrasion Resistance: Moderate, making it suitable for flooring with proper sealing.
- Frost Resistance: Performs well in temperate climates but requires sealing in extreme cold.
Usage & Applications
- Interior Design: Wall cladding, flooring, staircases, fireplaces, and decorative elements.
- Exterior Applications: Facades, columns, and decorative panels (when properly treated and sealed).
- Luxury & Heritage Projects: Due to its fossilized texture and rich color, Lioz Rosa is often used in historic restorations and premium architectural projects.
- Furniture & Countertops: Suitable for elegant table tops, vanity tops, and kitchen applications (with sealing).
- Urban & Landscape Design: Benches, fountains, and sculptures.
Maintenance & Care
- Cleaning: Use neutral pH cleaners to avoid etching. Avoid harsh acids and chemicals that can damage the calcitic structure.
- Sealing: Recommended for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications to enhance stain resistance.
- Polishing & Refinishing: Can be polished periodically to maintain its natural shine. Honed or textured finishes require more frequent cleaning to prevent dirt accumulation.
Cutting Sizes & Availability
Slabs: 2 cm & 3 cm thick standard slabs. Custom thickness available upon request.
Tiles: Standard sizes: 30x30 cm (12"x12"), 60x30 cm (24"x12"), 60x60 cm (24"x24"), 120x60 cm (48"x24").
Custom cut-to-size options available.
Blocks: Large quarry blocks available for customized cutting.
Sculpted & CNC Carved Pieces: Suitable for columns, sinks, basins, and decorative elements.
Surface Finish Options
- Polished: Enhances the reddish-pink color, giving a luxurious, glossy look.
- Honed: Matte, smooth, and elegant, ideal for interior applications.
- Brushed/Leathered: Soft, textured finish that highlights the fossilized structure.
- Bush-Hammered: Textured and slip-resistant, suitable for outdoor and façade use.
- Sandblasted: Lightly textured, often used for modern and minimalist designs.
Conclusion
Lioz Rosa Limestone is a historically significant, fossil-rich limestone with dark pink and brick-red tones, making it a highly decorative and durable stone. Its low porosity, high compressive strength, and unique fossilized pattern make it ideal for luxury interior applications, historical restorations, and premium architectural projects. With various finishes and cutting options available, it is a versatile choice for both classic and contemporary designs.
Portugal
