Beige limestones are some of the most popular and commonly used natural stones in the world. And Portugal is a rich source of supply in terms of diversity, quality and availability. Despite the considerable number of beige limestones from this market, only a few are internationally known, such as the Moca Cream and the Moleanos. 

In general, beige limestones from Portugal are characterized by versatile features, including a substantial hardness and a wide range of finishing and application possibilities. Also, they normally display a uniform background with a consistent beige colour, which might contain some subtle variations, like brownish and whitish tonalities. The Portuguese market is surely very rich when it comes to the supply and availability of this type of limestone. However, not all of them are equally demanded due to several factors, such as popularity, versatility and price. Below, we present the most popular and on-demand beige limestones from Portugal.

1. Moca Cream Classic Limestone

The Moca Cream Classic has an incredible demand worldwide, since it’s one of the most popular natural stones from Portugal. This is a multi-faceted limestone with its own personality, mainly displayed thought its strong thin veins, in shades of beige and brownish coffee. The background is quite uniform with a consistent beige colour and medium to fine grain. Additionally, it may present some elements, like occasional spots and shells. In terms of applications, the Moca Cream Classic can be used on about everything but cladding is definitely the main preference.

Main Features: Uniform background; strong veinage; consistent beige colour.

Recommended for: Cladding; coverings, flooring and interior applications.

2. Moca Cream Fine Limestone

The fine variation of the Moca Cream is also a highly demanded limestone from Portugal, as it presents a more discrete and sublime appearance. In comparison with the Moca Cream Classic, this limestone has less availability and a superior price. Besides the fine grain, this beige limestone has a very clean and uniform background, followed by a subtle thin vein and a consistent light beige colour. It may contain occasional spots and shells. Despite its versatility, the Moca Cream Fine is mostly used on cladding and interior applications.

Main Features: Very uniform background; subtle veinage; consistent light beige colour.

Recommended for: Cladding; coverings, flooring and interior applications.

3. Moleanos Classic Limestone

Another popular beige limestone from Portugal is the Moleanos Classic, which has a very wide availability and a well-established market all over the world. With a persistent beige colour and a uniform background, the Moleanos Classic is all about consistency, with hardly any variation. The surface also displays a medium grain that might contain some fossils and shells. Moreover, this limestone is very hard and resistant, making it even more suitable for about all types of applications, including cladding, flooring, stonework and masonry.

Main Features: Uniform and plain background; high hardness and durability; consistent beige colour.

Recommended for: Interior and exterior applications.

4. Moleanos Fine Limestone

Alongside the previous entry comes the Moleanos Fine. This is a beige limestone with a quite representative supply-demand curve, as well as a well-built market. The main characteristics of this natural stone are: a very plain and uniform background, a consistent light beige colour, fine grain, increased hardness and durability, and some discreet signs of fossils. There is no real limitation when it comes to projects involving the Moleanos Fine, as it can be used on almost all types of interior and exterior applications.

Main Features: Very uniform and plain background; high hardness and durability; consistent light beige colour.

Recommended for: Interior and exterior applications.

5. Rosal Limestone

With a growing demand and an in-development market, the Rosal limestone has become a more accessible choice in the last few years. Although not as popular as the previous limestones, the Rosal still presents a very fine structure with a quite regular pattern and a discrete look, making it very uniform in terms of background and colour. However, this is considered to be a soft natural stone, therefore it is rather recommended for most types of interior applications. The Rosal limestone might contain some veinage and very occasional elements.

Main Features: Very uniform and plain background; fine structure; soft hardness; consistent beige colour.

Recommended for: Interior applications.

6. Cabeca Veada Limestone

The Cabeca Veada limestone is known as the “new star” in the market, due to its similarity to the well-established Moleanos Fine limestone. This beige limestone presents a quite uniform background, with a light beige colour and some occasional darker brown spots and shades. It is quite predictable with a very plain structure, fine grain and hardly any contrast. There’s a huge availability for this product, as well as a growing demand. The Cabeca Veada is mostly used on exterior cladding and interior applications.

Main Features: Very uniform and plain background; fine structure; consistent light beige colour.

Recommended for: Exterior cladding and interior applications.