Stone in Archaeology Database

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Polyphant stone is easily carved and has a marble like finish when polished, it was used extensively in churches for highly finished decorative work such as fonts, dressings and ornamental carved work. In addition, Saxon and Norman arches in churches in the eastern part of the county are built of this stone (Watson 1911: 95). The stone was used principally for interior work since long exposure to the weather causes it to exfoliate. It is, however quite tough and will weather well in dry situations. Interestingly it was sometimes employed for making crucibles for melting copper and tin since it is very infusible.