Both the Jura Grey and the Moleanos Blue are very popular and on-demand limestones that are commonly used on projects both on exterior and interior applications. They share common technical characteristics as well as visual ones. Below, we describe each individual limestones, showing what their similarities and differences.

1. Moleanos Blue limestone

The Moleanos Blue is a light blue / grey coloured limestone that is extracted in Portugal by few quarries. It presents a pale blue / silver colour, with a fairly uniform background and slightly darker areas with a specific pattern. It may also present some brownish darker spots, but generally the limestone does not present too much calcite nor fossils, having a pretty “clean” surface.

The Moleanos Blue is also a fairly hard limestone that is normally used on both exterior and interior applications, in the vast majority of countries, regardless of weather conditions.

Main Features: Light grey / blue coloured background; considerable hardness; little variation.

Recommended for: Exterior and interior applications in general.

2. Jura Grey limestone

The Jura Grey is a grey coloured limestone that is extracted in Germany by several quarries. This is in fact a direct variation of the well-known Jura Beige limestone, but presenting a grey / silver colour. The Jura Grey limestone presents a different structure than the Moleanos Blue, consisting on a messy and unpredictable structure, with strong signs of calcite, as well as diverse grey colour tone variation from dark to light. In addition, it presents regular signs of fossils and metal elements (that may rust if in contact with water). All-in-all, this is a cold coloured stone that has become increasingly popular for its particular look and great technical properties.

The Jura Grey is a type of limestone that is used basically on any kind of application, both interior and exterior.

Main Features: Irregular and messy structure; considerable hardness; strong signs of fossils and calcite.

Recommended for: Exterior cladding and interior applications.

Final comparison

Despite the comparison, we are talking about fairly different limestones, with different structures and overall look. White the Moleanos Blue presents a fairly plain colour, look and background, the Jura Grey presents a more messy structure, with strong signs of calcite and fossils. They both present the cold / cement look of the light silver colour, but with different look.

With a honed surface, these difference are pretty evident. However, if we add a popular surface finishing used on exteriors such as the sandblasted + brushed, we will see more uniformity and a tendency for both limestones to look the same. This specific surface finishing on the Moleanos Blue will carve a little more the stone and make it look very plain, basically looking like concrete. Whereas on the Jura Grey, this specific surface finishing will not change it dramatically, due to its hardness, the sandblast hardly carves out the surface of the stone, making it only slightly lighter than usual.

In any case, we are talking about two limestones that, despite being strong competitors, are not that similar if we look close enough. They look slightly different, have different structures but share the colour and overall cold feel that is much appreciated these days.

For more information about these limestones, visit Juragreylimestone or Moleanos. Or check the video with the comparison here.

The post Limestone comparison: Jura Grey vs Moleanos Blue appeared first on Outlet.

Chiseled surface

This type of finishing consists on doing several parallel cuts on the surface, then breaking the top of these cuts. The end result is a rough surface, with a parallel structure, but somehow organized. You will see the parallel lines of the cuts on a rough surface. This is a very popular choice for exterior cladding application, which can be combined with other smoother surfaces like honed for example.

Sawn-cut (or rough) surface

On this finishing what you see is essentially the stone in its natural form after the blocks are sawn. You do not do anything on the surface, basically leaving it as it is. In terms of colour, on the example below, we get a very plain colour with hardly any contrast. This type of surface ages quite well because there is little colour and contrast.

Honed surface

The honed is the most popular type of surface finishing to be used on exterior cladding applications. It presents a matt surface, with no shine and little contrast. The colour is pale but still showing the elements of the stone. On the case of this limestone that we present here (a Moleanos limestone), we can see well the elements and colour, but with reduced contrast. This type of finishing ages quite well, thus being very popular for cladding due to low maintenance.

Sandblasted surface

By sandblasting the surface of the stone, we take away most of its colour. The surface will become a bit rough but also very uniform and pale. This example shows a grey limestone, but we can hardly see well the colour. After few years, the surface will look very similar to this, which makes it also quite a popular choice for exterior cladding.

Bush-hammered surface

On this specific sample we show a beige limestone, where the bush-hammered surface makes the surface quite white. The surface is quite rough and with a more or less uniform look. This type of surface ages quite well and is a good choice for exterior cladding applications.

Split-face (or chiseled) surface

This type of surface is called split-face, but could be considered chiseled (with wider gaps). So again, we have the parallel structure but with a rough look. We can see very well the parallel cuts on the stone, with its fairly irregular rough structure. On this specific finishing the client can choose the width of the parallel cuts according to its specifications. This is another popular surface finishing for exterior cladding applications.

For more information about the types of natural stones that we show here, please check the following sources:
– Portugalimestones
– Juralimestoneportal

The post Best surface finishings for stone cladding appeared first on Outlet.

Over the past few decades, the Travertine Classic has been achieving an incredible growth and a solid positioning in the international market. The reasons behind this tremendous success are numerous, including a large availability, competitive pricing and a very interesting appearance. But that’s not all, the Travertine Classic is also very versatile and it can be used on about all sorts of projects and applications. The two main variations promote this versatility as well, since it creates two distinctive looks for the same type of stone. For instance, the vein-cut variation exposes the natural veinage, which runs in a parallel way across the surface. The cross-cut variation is a bit more uniform and plain, as it shows some darker and clouded spots. This change in appearance is a sole matter of sawing techniques.

Travertine Classic Vein-Cut

The Travertine vein-cut presents a rich background, filled with a darker veinage and natural elements. This specific appearance results from a direct sawn, which induces the cut in favour of the natural vein. This technique displays the true essence of the Travertine Classic, with a parallel veinage running along the entire surface. Moreover, the veins are normally darker than the light beige background. Therefore, it creates a very interesting and beautiful effect, especially in interior applications like flooring, bath design and decoration. The vein-cut variation is rarely used in combination with other natural stones, because it creates a visual break, as the parallel structure of the Travertine is discontinued.

Travertine Cross-Cut

The Travertine Classic doesn’t always display a veinage pattern. The cross-cut variation presents a more uniform and regular background. Instead of the veinage, this variation features a plainer background, with some darker and clouded areas. By turning the slabs around, the original position from the extraction point changes as well, and so does the cutting direction, which goes against the vein. As a result, the veinage disappears and the background becomes rather clouded. The Travertine Classic cross-cut is suitable for many types of applications, from cladding, to coverings and flooring. Unlike the vein-cut, this variation is often used with other natural stones, due to its neutral and pattern free appearance.

If you’re looking for a Travertine Classic supplier, don’t hesitate to contact our support team. For other content on natural stone, visit our blog.

For more reference information about Travertine, check the following link:
– Globalstoneportal

The post How to Choose: Travertine Classic Vein-Cut vs. Cross-Cut appeared first on Outlet.

With a growing reputation, Portuguese grey limestones are quite reliable, especially in terms of background uniformity and colour consistency. They usually present a very considerable hardness and an impressive versatility, that makes them suitable for about any type of application or project. Also, they present a high availability and a competitive pricing – ideal conditions when it comes to business. There is certainly a huge variety of grey limestones from Portugal, but only a few have been able to enter the international market. At the current time, there are four limestones that have been growing in both, popularity and demand at a global level.

1. Moleanos Blue Limestone

The Moleanos Blue is possibly the most famous blue-grey limestone from Portugal. It displays a set of superior attributes, including a very smooth and uniform background. Additionally, it presents a pale blue-grey colour, followed by some darker areas and occasional natural elements, like fossils, shells and calcite. This grey limestone is recommended for almost any sort of application, due to its versatility and increased hardness. However, cladding and flooring are generally the most common applications when it comes to Moleanos Blue projects.

Main Features: Uniform background; increased hardness; consistent grey-blue colour.

Recommended for: Exterior and interior applications in general.

2. Moleanos B1 Limestone

As a direct alternative to the Azul Valverde, the Moleanos B1 is a grey limestone with a high utility value. It presents a pale light grey colour and a quite uniform background, with hardly any visible elements. Overall, this is a limestone with a very plain and regular surface, which makes it a perfect choice for cladding, flooring and decoration projects. Despite this preference, the Moleanos B1 is recommended for all exterior and interior applications. Additionally, the Moleanos B1 is one of the main replacements for the well-known Azul Valverde, non-existent at the time.

Main Features: Very uniform background; increased hardness; consistent pale grey colour.

Recommended for: Cladding, flooring and decoration.

3. Moleanos B3 Limestone

Known for its diversity, the Moleanos B3 is a variation of the Moleanos limestone, which presents a little less purity. This is a multi-colour limestone, with light grey as the main colour and blue and beige as the secondary tonalities. The background is somewhat uniform, as it displays strong signs of natural elements, particularly fossils and calcite. Moreover, the Moleanos B3 is a very hard type of limestone, which together with its versatility makes it suitable for essentially any project.  Still, the main applications for this limestone are exterior ones, specifically exterior cladding and landscaping.

Main Features: Somewhat uniform background; increased hardness; strong signs of elements; multi-colour.

Recommended for: Exterior cladding and landscaping.

4. Perlato Limestone

The Perlato Limestone is a grey limestone that presents an interesting appearance, composed by the abundancy of calcite and fossils. These natural elements create some lighter areas but overall, this is a somewhat uniform limestone. In terms of structure, the Perlato displays a consistent grey colour, as well as an increased hardness. As a versatile limestone, the Perlato can be suitable for a wide range of applications. Despite the consolidate position in Portugal, the Perlato is not so known abroad and is still developing its own market.

Main Features: Somewhat uniform background; increased hardness; consistent grey colour.

Recommended for: Exterior and interior applications in general.

For more information about grey limestones from Portugal or any other natural stone, contact us directly for a specialized feedback.

The post How to Choose Grey Limestones from Portugal appeared first on Outlet.

In terms of structure, the Jura Beige and the Moleanos Classic are quite similar. For instance, the colour presented is very beige and persistent on both of them, except in the darker variations of the Jura Beige. The hardness is quite substantial as well and the grain ranges do not differ much. What truly differentiates these two beige limestones are their background. While the Moleanos Classic displays a rather plain and uniform surface, with some signs of natural elements, such as fossils, the Jura Beige presents a more irregular and unpredictable structure, with well visible elements, such as calcite, fossils and coloured spots. The Jura Beige and the Moleanos Classic are definitely two of the most prominent beige limestones on the market, which is exposed by their ranks of popularity, demand and availability. Below, we exhaustively compare the Jura Beige vs. Moleanos Classic.

1. Jura Beige Limestone

The Jura Beige is among the most well-known natural stones from Germany, with a considerable demand, especially on the European market. With a great availability, this beige limestone has a very competitive positioning, with affordable prices, versatile features and considerable reserves for future extraction. The core structure of this limestone consists of thin to medium grain, a substantial hardness and a non-uniform background. There’s usually a strong presence of natural elements, such as fossils and calcite shown in darker shades. The Jura Beige can be applied to about anything, due to its versatility.

There are two main variations for the Jura Beige, in which the colour is the main variable. The Jura Beige light presents a somewhat light beige, similar to the Moleanos Classic. On the other hand, the Jura Beige dark displays some other tonalities, such as coffee and browns. The appearance of this limestone is generally unpredictable and unique, due to background uniformity and given elements.

Main Features: Irregular and unorganized background; considerable hardness; consistent beige colour.

Recommended for: Exterior and interior applications in general.

2. Moleanos Classic Limestone

As one of the most popular beige limestones from Portugal, the Moleanos Classic also detains a significant demand from several different markets all over the world. Overall, the Moleanos Classic structure is a bit similar to the Jura Beige. It presents thin to medium grain, increased hardness, a persistent beige colour and an extraordinary versatility. However, appearance wise this limestone is much more uniform, plain and regular, as there is too little variation. There can be some occasional natural elements, like fine spots, calcite or shells, but not too many. Therefore, the Moleanos Classic presents a more standard and predictable look, which intensifies the overall versatility, as it can match about any type of project or even other natural stones. Lastly, this is a growing on popularity, mostly due to its competitive positioning in terms of pricing and strategy in the international market.

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

Recommended for: Exterior cladding and interior applications.

The post How to Choose: Jura Beige vs. Moleanos Classic appeared first on Outlet.

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.

The post How to Choose: Beige Limestones from Portugal appeared first on Outlet.