Hornton Stone Specification

Colour/texture:
Blue / Grey and brown
Crushing strength: 700kgf/cm2
Weight: 2160kg/m3
Porosity/water absorption: 20%
Suitability: Building, monumental and garden works
Availability:
Maximum sizes: 2100x900x200mm
Considerable quantities available

Composition: Limestone.
Samples have been found to contain
<0.05% vo. quartz (Hornton Blue) and <0.1% quartz (Hornton Brown). Variations in quartz is to be expected.

Geologically known as Ferruginous Limestone of the Middle Lias, this scientific name captures nothing of the rare colour qualities of Hornton Stone that can range from a warm light brown, through brown-purple, grey and green to various shades of mauve and blue.

Hornton Stone noted for its hard wearing properties and ease of working. It offers its users many opportunities for the decorative use of stone in buildings and garden projects. The qualities of Hornton stone make it an excellent medium for carving, qualities which have been acknowledged by its use by world renowned modern sculptors - Eric Gill, John Epstein and Sir Henry Moore.

Reminders of the use of Hornton Stone are everywhere you look in Oxfordshire and Warwickshire; in churches, castles and cottages. There is a traditional rhyme for this region: 'Adderbury for might, Bloxham for height, Kings Sutton for beauty'. This rhyme refers to the spires of three Oxfordshire churches built by medieval craftsmen in their native stone. Hornton Stone has always been part of this community and its landscape.

Other Names For Hornton Stone:
Banbury Stone, Cotswold Stone or Iron Stone