Color & Veining of Limestone

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The color; veining, clouds, mottlings, and shadings in Limestone are caused by substances included in minor amounts during formation. These included iron-bearing minerals, clay, and organic material thought to be residual from the soft parts of tiny marine animals. Most of these dark materials are found between calcite crystals or the shell materials, and some shells and calcite crystals are darker than others. Iron oxides make the pinks, yellows, browns, and reds. Most grays, blue-grays, and blacks are of bituminous origin.

Reference: Dimensional Stone Design Manual, Marble Institute of America

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