Malta · Limestone
also known as Malta Limestone, Franka, Maltese Stone, Gebel Franka
The national stone of Malta, used continuously since prehistoric times: every Maltese temple (Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Ggantija) and the entire walled city of Valletta are built from it. A soft, workable Oligocene limestone formed from foraminifera shells, it ranges from pale cream to warm honey tones. Its slight porosity makes it unsuitable for polished finishes but ideal for carved facades, cobbled streets, and traditional Maltese vernacular architecture.
Type-level physical facts shown. Per-lot lab values (absorption, flexural strength) confirmed at quotation.
Yes. The entire fortified city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is constructed from Globigerina Limestone. It is the defining material of Maltese heritage architecture.
Its porosity and softness make high polish difficult and impractical. It is best specified in honed, sawn, or aged finishes for floors and facades, where its warm cream colour and fossil-rich texture are architectural features in themselves.