Yes, limestone can still be carved, although it will be harder than fresh
stone.  The stone that was produced for the National Cathedral gargoyles and
other decorative elements were stored outside for years before the carving
was done.  When cutting into those blocks, there was an outer layer, almost
like a crust, of about three quarters of an inch. It was harder than the
stone underneath.  What I don't know is whether that "crust" continues to
get thicker or not.  Hopefully not, but even if it does, it's just harder
stone with nothing wrong with it.  It will just take a little longer, that's
all.

Dennis Rude
Cathedral Stone Company, Inc.
410-782-9150

-----Original Message-----
From: Preservationist Protection Program
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Met
History
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 10:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: How long can you wait to carve quarried limestone?


The 1902 entrance wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, facing Fifth
Avenue, had four giant (20x20x20?) assemblages of limestone blocks placed at
the entablature, with a view to carving them into sculptural groups.  But
the
carving was never executed.  Can limestone exposed to the air over a century
stilll be carved, and could these blocks still be carved in place?  Or does
the stone degrade in some way?

Christopher Gray
"Streetscapes" Columnist, Sunday Real Estate Section
The New York Times
office:  246 West 80th Street
New York City   10024
voice:  212-799-0520
fax:     212-799-0542
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