When first quarried it is a pure white and very malleable. This is what makes it so popular because it can have designs embedded in it and be cut to specific sizes at this point. It is over time that it hardens into a virtually indestructible stone, at least by natural erosion. As it ages it gains a golden appearance.

For millennia it has been a popular stone for building large structures. Now it is being exported around the world to be used in private homes as well. It makes a wonderful floor tile, hearths and counter tops. The use of stone in either your home or business will dramatically enhance the property and aesthetic value. There are things to consider before ordering any kind of stone for use in your home or business.

The type of stone you use is very important. There are a number of classification systems for identifying different types of stone. The industry standard is the British Standard BSEN12440 (denomination of natural stone). Stone quarried in the areas of Jerusalem and Bethlehem is often mistakenly referred to as granite.

According to the British Standard BSEN12440, they are limestone. It is possible to be confused with granite because of how hard the stone becomes. It is only soft like most other lime stones when it is first brought out of the quarry.

There are several lime stones from Israel. The most popular and most common used in the construction of buildings and interior design is Meleke. Others may include Mizzi Hilu also known as sweet rock. It is a cream colored limestone. Red rock or Mizzi Ahmar is a red colored limestone.

Jewish Rock of modern times, Mizzi Yehudi is a plain gray dolomitic limestone. Meleke is the stone most commonly found through out the Middle East, primarily in Jerusalem. It has been used for centuries in buildings not only for its beauty but for its durability. It can

When shopping for Jerusalem stone to use in your home or building, make sure that you obtain certification that it was mined from one of the many quarries in Israel. This will not be an inexpensive addition to your home or commercial building but it will dramatically increase the resale value as well as the aesthetic beauty. It can be used as a fa ade on exterior walls, counter tops, floor tile, statuaries and much more.