Jerusalem Chalk

Chalk is comprised of soft, fine grains of extremely pure limestone that are usually approximately 300-400 m thick. It is relatively porous and is mainly composed of the mineral calcite. It is considered a type of sedimentary rock, and is relatively resistant to weathering and erosion, unlike other rock formations such as clay. Jerusalem stone may be found in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, the regional site of the Jesus tomb.

Characteristics of Chalk

Chalk is primarily made up of calcite minerals that develop from the remains of micro-organisms. Flint nodules are small and hard formations of silicate that commonly develop out of skeletal remains and are characteristically found in chalk. Flint is often associated with fossil formation, since it is resistant to erosion, while chalk itself is porous and relatively permeable.

Sedimentary Rock Formation

Sedimentary rocks cover approximately 75% of the earth's surface. The term "sedimentary" is one of three classifications of rocks, along with "igneous" and "metamorphic."

Sedimentary rocks can be formed as a result of the weathered remains of other rocks, as the accumulation of sediments, from precipitation of various solutions, and as a result of biogenic activity. This latter possibility is what characterizes the formation of sedimentary rock such as limestone and chalk. Biogenic rocks, including chalk, contain materials that are generated by living organisms.

Jerusalem Stone

Jerusalem stone refers to stones that are uniquely extracted from the mines of the Jerusalem area including the Jordan River along the Mediterranean Sea, the southern port of Eilat along the Red Sea, and areas in the northern regions of Israel such as Haifa and Galilee.

Jerusalem rock is mainly composed of dolomitic limestone containing calcium magnesium carbonate. It is usually characterized by gold and reddish hues, though grey and white varieties are also found. The front of every building in Jerusalem is at least partly constructed by Jerusalem stone, in accordance to a by-law aimed to maintain historical continuity.