1. How should i choose a Portuguese limestone?
Apart from the unusually high number of names by which Portuguese limestones are internationally known, those who are not familiar with Portuguese limestones might face other difficulties while choosing a stone. One of our visitors once asked the following question: "Portuguese white limestones are so similar, how can I know what is what?"
We have done a comparison between 7 white/beige limestone samples (Moca Cream, Moleanos, Salgueira, Branco do Mar, Cabeca, Rosal and Fatima), which represent the main extraction areas and quarries. All the samples were honed and a small area of each sample was wet, in order to present the differences between the wet and dry surfaces. The outcome was that all of the samples were quite similar in terms of appearance.
The client has the right to receive what he/she has chosen and paid for. But unfortunately many suppliers use this similarity between the main Portuguese limestones to get additional and short-term benefits, supplying cheaper materials.
In order to avoid such problems, we recommend you to follow these basic rules when choosing a Portuguese limestone:
- Do not accept commercial fantasy names. Always ask for the official name of the stone, or alternatively, ask for the traditional name used for the stone (as used in Portugal);
- Get as much information as possible about the material you want to buy before making any decision. Do it either online or through specialized magazines;
- Check the material´s Technical Data. To do so, you may visit the official Portuguese Geological Institute (www.ineti.pt), or alternatively do it at Portugalimestones.com on the Material´s Directory;
- Buy the limestone from well-known and reputable companies, preferably those with good references in terms of projects.
2. Which are the most relevant Portuguese limestones?
Many people feel confused about the different number of Portuguese limestones available in the market, having questions about which one to choose. To put it simple, consider that the three main Portuguese limestones (Moleanos, Moca Cream and Semi-Rijo, with its sub-variations) may represent more that 90% of total production. Some other limestones either have unexpressive market quota, or do not have production history or continuity (e.g. the Azul Valverde).
Moleanos Limestone
The Moleanos Limestone is extracted around the village with the same name, which is located in the centre of Portugal. Used in Portugal for more than 50 years as the main building stone (either in private or public construction), it can be found at every single village in flooring, cladding, public monuments and at the main floor of Lisbon Airport. The Moleanos versatile utilization has also conquered the international market, where is known as Gasgogne Beige or Gasgogne Blue, Porto Velho and others. Although production is centralized in a small area (and in few quarries), it is transformed and commercialized by dozens of companies.
Moca Cream Limestone
The Moca Cream Limestone is extracted at Pé da Pedreira - Alcanede, which is located in the centre part of Portugal. Its extraction is mainly done by some three dozen quarries. The Moca Cream limestone is by excellence an export limestone, where its unique parallel veinage effect has conquered clients from all over the World and most recently, the Chinese market. Technically, the it can be used in masonry, internal and external cladding, as well as flooring. The Moca Cream is mostly commercialized with the cut against the veinage (more rarely with the cut in favour) in three main forms: Gross Grain, Medium Grain, Fine Grain (the last also known as Relvinha).
Semi-Rijo Limestone
This white limestone is extracted in two hills which are separated by a valley: the Salgueira / Cabeça de Veada hill in one side and the Codaçal hill on the other side. Both hills are near the main Moca Cream and Moleanos limestone quarries. Overall, the Semi-Rijo is a soft limestone, with fine to medium grain. Nevertheless, it is common to find layers of production where the material is harder, as is the case with the Cabeça de Veada limestone. The Semi-Rijo is mainly used in cladding and due to its uniformity and availability it can be used in large scale projects. The main commercial names of the Semi-Rijo are: Salgueira, Branco do Mar and Rosal.
