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United Kingdom · Limestone

Bath Stone

also known as Corsham Stone, Box Ground Stone, Oolitic Bath Limestone, English Oolite

The quintessential English heritage limestone, responsible for the iconic golden-honey streetscapes of Georgian Bath, one of the UK's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Cities. An oolitic limestone (composed of tiny spherical calcite grains) from the Jurassic Great Oolite Formation, it is soft enough to be carved with detail but durable enough to last centuries on building facades. Today widely specified for heritage restoration, conservation-grade new builds, and luxury residential projects seeking authentic English character.

Origin
Bath/Corsham area, Wiltshire/Somerset, south-west England, United Kingdom
Stone type
Limestone
Density
2.25 g/cm³
Look
heritage, warm, Georgian, English, oolitic
Finishes
sawn, honed, rubbed, tooled
Formats
block, slab, tile, masonry, carved element
Exterior use
Suitable — dense, exterior-grade

Type-level physical facts shown. Per-lot lab values (absorption, flexural strength) confirmed at quotation.

Good to know

What gives Bath Stone its distinctive golden colour?

The warm honey-gold colour comes from iron oxide staining of its oolitic calcite grains, formed in shallow Jurassic lagoons. When freshly quarried it is softer and easier to work; it hardens slightly on exposure to air.

Can Bath Stone be used in the USA for exterior cladding?

Yes, it has good exterior durability under moderate climates. For high-pollution urban environments or freeze-thaw zones, specify a minimum thickness and hydrophobic treatment. Consult ASTM C568 for US project specifications.

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