Stone in Archaeology Database

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Reigate stone was popular as a building stone in London from the mid 13th through to the 16th century, at which time production declined. It must be noted that this stone is susceptible to decay. Acidic rainwater dissolves the calcite matrix which binds the quartz grains together leaving a friable sandy crust. Gradually entire elevations become disfigured and mouldings eroded to the extent that all detail is lost. When used internally, the stone survives very well, but in exposed situations decay is rapid (Lockwood 1993/4: 19)