“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet;”
That famous Shakespearean verse from Romeo and Juliet easily comes to mind when we start talking about Belgian Blue Limestone, also known as

• Petit Granit (or Little Granite)
• Belgian Bluestone
• Coal Limestone
• Nero Belga
• Granit de Flandre
• Pierre Bleu
• Belgian Bleu
• Belgian Granite
• Belgian Limestone
• Arduin
• Blue Belge
• Hardstone

There could easily be more names for this classic stone that we haven’t unearthed yet! But whichever name you call it, this blue coal limestone from Belgium, with its unmistakable smokey blue hue, has been a classic in design and architecture for centuries.

THE HISTORY OF BELGIAN BLUESTONE

We’re going way back in time to Belgian Bluestone’s rich geological history that began 350 million years ago when the sea covered the southern half of what is now Belgium.

The period was known as the Carboniferous period, which takes its name from large underground coal deposits formed from the vegetation and large trees that grew in vast swamp forests. Several major biological, geological, and climatic events also occurred during this period. The climate during this period was uniformly tropical, with no distinct seasons.

HOW DID THE SPECIAL LOOK OF BELGIAN BLUESTONE COME ABOUT?

Belgian Bluestone is a sedimentary rock formed from layers of accumulated sediment. Bluestone is considered “calcareous” (calcareous stones are composed mainly of calcium carbonate), as it was formed from layers of the calcareous material remains of underwater flora and fauna. The water was relatively low in the area, and as a result, living organisms called crinoids (animals with limestone skeletons left behind in the seabed) were at high levels in this area. Thus, Belgian Bluestone is characterized by a lot of gray and white fossils and the occasional calcite vein. Mainly crinoids, but also coral, and shells are clearly visible in Belgian Bluestone, distinguishing it from other limestones. The more visible the fossilized marine life, the more desirable and valuable the stone! The limestone’s blue color varies in tone, from almost black to a powdery blue-grey, depending on how much carbon the stone contains and the finish applied.

Bluestone comes mainly from Belgium and especially from the Ardennes and Hainaut areas. The latter production region accounts for 80% of all Belgian Bluestone. This sought-after “Petit Granit” bluestone can only be found in one specific carbonated geological vein that runs east to west across Belgium. It has been extracted in several regions of South Belgium since the Middle Ages and used widely in sculpture and architecture, especially in Brussels and other Belgian cities. The name “Petit Granit” is an Appellation d’Origine Locale (Local Appellation of Origin) designation since 1999. Around fifteen quarries in Belgium are active today.

There is no doubt that Belgian blue limestone is gorgeous, but look to Crossville for a stunning porcelain alternative! Our new Beljn porcelain tile collection evokes the history and look of  Belgian Bluestone but is decidedly contemporary in color and sizing. Beljn’s five hues range from light to dark, and the tiles are available in two finishes: unpolished, which features Crossville’s unique FeatherSoft Finish for an extraordinarily touchable surface, and a bush-hammered style exterior finish designed for grand scale and high fashion in outdoor spaces.

Beljn porcelain tile features white veining, coal lines, and visible fossils. Moreover, it’s a product you can feel good about because it’s carbon-neutral and made in America. Be sure to order a sample to see this amazing new porcelain tile for yourself!