Limestone Archives

The World of Stone

The World of Stone, located in Van Nuys, California, is a premier destination for those seeking high-quality natural stone products for luxury residential projects. Established with a vision to blend nature’s beauty with modern design, we have grown to become a trusted name in the stone business.

At the heart of The World of Stone is an extensive selection of natural stones sourced from quarries around the world. Our offerings include marble, granite, travertine, limestone, quartzite, and onyx, among others. Each piece is selected for its unique patterns, colors, and durability, ensuring that clients have access to the finest materials for their projects. Whether it’s for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, or outdoor landscaping, The World of Stone caters to a wide array of design needs.

Riley is an expert in stone and proper stone applications as well as maintenance (ideally preventative) methods and techniques. With over 30 years in the stone business there’s little he hasn’t seen. We work closely with architects, designers, and homeowners to realize custom designs that fit each project’s aesthetic and functional requirements. Offering comprehensive services from material selection to installation referrals, providing guidance on everything from stone care to the latest trends in stone applications.

The showroom in Los Angeles is not just a store but an experience, designed to inspire. Visitors can see, touch, and feel the textures and colors of various stones, helping them visualize how these natural elements can transform spaces. With a reputation for excellence, The World of Stone continues to be a go-to source for those looking to incorporate the timeless beauty of stone into their environments.

Kalahari Limestone Installation — Kalahari

Sustainability is a core principle at The World of Stone. They are committed to environmentally responsible sourcing and practices, ensuring that their operations do not just meet but exceed industry standards for sustainability. This includes careful selection of suppliers who adhere to ethical mining practices and the promotion of stones that require minimal maintenance, thereby reducing environmental impact over time.

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For tips on care and maintenance of natural stone click here.

Beverly Hills Project

Stone is going in and looking great!

The guys from Fabie Tile & Marble hard at work

The Stone Has Arrived

The good folks at Semizyan Trucking getting the job done. Thanks Sako, thanks Harry.

Limestone

Limestone slabs, revered for centuries in architectural design, offer a blend of aesthetic beauty and practical durability. These slabs are cut from natural limestone, a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate, often formed from the remains of marine organisms like coral and shellfish. Here’s a detailed description for their use in architecture:

Aesthetic Qualities:

Color and Texture: Limestone varies from white, gray, or yellow to even subtle blue or red hues, depending on the impurities present. The texture can range from smooth to slightly rugged, providing a tactile and visually rich surface.
Grain: The grain structure of limestone often shows fossil imprints, which can add a unique, organic aesthetic to architectural elements.

Durability and Practicality:

Weather Resistance: Limestone is highly resistant to weathering. Over time, it develops a patina, which enhances its beauty and gives structures a timeless look.
Strength: While not as hard as granite, properly treated limestone can withstand significant loads, making it suitable for both structural and decorative uses.

Architectural Uses:

Exterior Cladding: Used for facades, limestone provides an elegant, classic appearance to buildings, blending well with both modern and traditional designs.
Interior Applications: Slabs can be used for flooring, countertops, and wall cladding. They offer a cool, durable surface that’s perfect for high-traffic areas.
Monuments and Sculpture: Due to its workability and ability to take fine detail, limestone has been historically favored for sculptural elements and commemorative plaques.

Sustainability:

Eco-Friendly: Limestone is abundant and extraction has a lower environmental impact compared to some other stones. Additionally, buildings made from limestone can contribute to a reduction in the urban heat island effect due to its light color reflecting sunlight.

Care and Maintenance:

Sealing: While limestone is durable, sealing it can prevent staining, especially for interior uses like countertops.
Cleaning: Generally, limestone requires mild cleaning solutions to avoid erosion or damage to its surface.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

Legacy: Limestone has been used in some of the world’s most iconic structures, from ancient Egyptian pyramids to European cathedrals, symbolizing longevity and grandeur.

In architecture, limestone slabs not only contribute to the structural integrity of a building but also add a layer of sophistication and historical resonance. Whether chosen for its visual appeal, practical attributes, or cultural connotations, limestone continues to be a preferred material in the architect’s palette, admired for its natural beauty and the narrative it weaves into the built environment.