Selgase limestone

Selgase limestone is quarried on the island of Saaremaa in Pidula and Selgase quarries that are situated south of Mustjala. It has a diverse nature in terms of patterns and colour tones. Although mostly referenced as a limestone, it is a dolomite that was formed during the Silurian period in a lagoon and near to the shore.

Selgase stone has been used probably starting from the second half of the 18th century when Pidula mainor house main building was built. The stone has seen use in local villages of Pidula, Selgase and Mustjala, but also in Kuressaare, Kihelkonna, Tallinn and other places in Estonia. Mostly it has been used to cover walls, but also fireplaces and other building details have been made from it. Starting from the 1990s this stone has been also used for the making of souveniers.

Selgase limestone has following characteristis:

• Volume by weight – 2230 kg/m3 (EN 1936)
• Volume absorption by weight – 7,8 % (EN 13755)
• Porousity –21,7 % (EN 1936)
• Frost resistance – 48 cycles (EN 12371)
• Flexile strength – 10,4 MPa (EN 12372)
• Wear resistance – 20,5 mm (EN 14157)

These days Selgase limestone is used for making tiles for facades and floors, also various building details - cornices, balustrades, fireplaces and souveniers.

Selgase limestone can be seen in the following places:

• Former Eesti Energia office in Tallinn,
• National Library of Estonia in Tallinn,
• Baltic Station (Balti Jaam) in Tallinn,
• Pühajärve SPA & Holiday Resourt.