Note The physical and chemical properties vary somewhat depending on whether the sample being tested is buff or grey, wet or dry, or contains more or less mottling.  The following tests are representative averages.

 Limestone Category Absorption by
Weight
percent
Compressive
Strength
p.s.i.
Modulus of
Rupture
p.s.i.
Low density
Medium density
High density 
12
7.5
1800
4000
8000 
400
500
1000 

WEIGHT
  (Dry) - 2,435 kg/m3

SPECIFIC GRAVITY
  2.44

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH - (ASTM C-170-50)
  (average) - dry - 62.8 M Pa
(average) - wet - 64.8 M Pa

TRANVERSE STRENGH
  1,340 p.s.i.

SHEAR STRENGTH
  1,056 p.s.i.

MODULUS OF RUPTURE - (ASTM C-99-52)
  (average) - dry - 9.9 M Pa    
(average) - wet - 5.2 M Pa

WATER ABSORPTION - (ASTM C-97-47)
  (average) 3.49%
Ratio of absorption per cent:


1 hour - 1.335
2 hours - 2.499
Under pressure - 4.653
Pore Space - 11.36%

MODULUS OF ELASTICITY
  41.37 G Pa

COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION
  Per C - 5.4 x 10-6 mm per mm

THERMAL RESISTANCE
  102m2C
W
(90 mm thick stone - stone only - no allowance made for film effect)

LIGHT REFLECTANCE
  Split Face - 70%
Cut Stone - 82%

SOUND RATING
  N.B.C.C. class II (Sound Reduction Factor - 90mm thick stone - 42 decibels)

REFERENCES

Frank H.T. Rhodes
  1962: Life Of The Past; Fossils: A Guide to Prehistoric Life; Golden Press New York