Shell Reef White Limestone

About
- Material Type:
- Limestone
- Origin:
Spain (Moratalla, Murcia) - Primary Color(s):
- Ivory
- 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
- Additional Names:
- Shell Reef Limestone, Caliza Alba, Shell Reef Limestone, Sea Shell Limestone, Shell Reef White Limestone
- Finished Surface:
- Bush Hammered,Tumbled,Brushed,Honed,Split,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Sandblasted,Combed,Filled,Chiseled,Pickling
Testing
- Water Absorption:
- 10 - 15% (due to porosity)
- Density:
- 2300 - 2500 Kg/m³
- Flexural Strength:
- 8 - 12 MPa
- Compressive Strength:
- 45 - 70 MPa
Description
Shell Reef White Limestone is a visually captivating and naturally elegant limestone quarried in Moratalla, Murcia, Spain. This stone is valued for both its aesthetic fossil-rich appearance and functional durability, making it suitable for a range of interior and exterior architectural uses.
General Description
Name: Shell Reef White Limestone
Type: Sedimentary rock (Limestone)
Origin: Moratalla, Murcia, Spain
Color: Creamy bone white to light beige
Unique Feature: Visible marine shell and fossil fragments, formed over millions of years, giving the stone a natural, fossilized pattern
Texture & Pattern
Texture: Fine- to medium-grained; porous and matte surface
Pattern: Natural scatter of sea shell fossils, coral remains, and sediment layers throughout a light white-beige background
Visual Appeal: Soft and warm tones with subtle organic detailing
Physical Properties & Test Results
- Bulk Density: 2.3 - 2.5 g/cm³
- Compressive Strength: 45 - 70 MPa
- Flexural Strength: 8 - 12 MPa
- Water Absorption: 10 - 15% (due to porosity)
- Porosity: 15 - 25%
- Abrasion Resistance: Low to Moderate
- Mohs Hardness: 3 - 4
Note: These are typical values for shell limestone and may vary slightly by quarry batch.
Chemical Composition (% by weight)
- CaCO₃ (Calcite): 90 – 95%
- SiO₂ (Silica): 1 – 2%
- MgCO₃ (Dolomite): 1 – 2%
- Al₂O₃ (Alumina): <1%
- Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide): <0.5%
- Organic Fossils: Trace amounts (shell fragments, etc.)
Surface Finish Options
Polished – Glossy finish, highlights fossil patterns
Honed – Matte and smooth, elegant and non-reflective
Tumbled – Soft edges, aged appearance, ideal for rustic or antique looks
Brushed – Light texture with softened fossil details
Sandblasted – Matte and slip-resistant finish
Bush-hammered – Rough, anti-slip surface for exteriors
Standard Cutting Sizes
Slabs:
- 240 x 120 cm
- 200 x 100 cm
- Thicknesses: 2 cm, 3 cm, custom
Tiles:
- 30 x 30 cm (12" x 12")
- 40 x 40 cm (16" x 16")
- 60 x 30 cm (24" x 12")
- 60 x 60 cm (24" x 24")
- Custom cut-to-size available
Usage & Applications
Interior:
- Wall cladding
- Flooring
- Fireplace surrounds
- Bathroom and vanity tops
Exterior:
- Façade panels
- Paving (low-traffic)
- Garden and pool surrounds (with anti-slip finish)
Maintenance
- Sealing recommended due to porosity – especially in wet areas
- Clean with pH-neutral cleaners
- Avoid acidic or abrasive agents
- Periodic resealing (every 1–2 years depending on traffic and exposure)
This unique Shell Reef White Limestone brings a piece of marine geological history into architectural design — merging timeless fossil beauty with modern applications.
















