Limestone

Richeval

Richeval is an exceptionally dense French sedimentary limestone from the Richeval region in the Moselle département in Lorraine — a creamy ivory ground mass with a very fine-grained, almost lithographic texture and subtle mineral swirls. Also carried internationally as Pierre Calcaire Richeval and Richeval Limestone; used for classically restrained wall claddings, bathrooms, interior floors, vanity tops, spa areas, bar counters and prestigious interior surfaces with a timelessly elegant French character.

Richeval is petrographically a dense French sedimentary limestone from Lorraine — not a marble in the strict petrographic sense, even if it is in part carried in the trade as 'marble'. Geologically a fine-grained lithographic calcite limestone with an exceptionally high strength (compressive strength 184–202 MPa, water absorption only 0.06 %); in the DIN/EN sense to be classified as a limestone.

Limestone France 2.670 kg/m³

Available as: Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Richeval

Richeval shows an exceptionally clear, calm slab character with the typically restrained elegance of fine-grained French limestones. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. On closer inspection, subtle mineral swirls and very fine brownish shadings can be made out, lending the otherwise evenly pale surface a discreet, almost watercolour-like depth without making it restless. The material effect is overall calm, classically elegant and restrained — the stone reads as a bright, friendly background material with a noble French distinction. On a polished surface the stone develops a silky lustre with a slight brilliance; the fine-grained structure reflects light evenly without dramatic mirroring. On a honed C220 surface the warm creamy tint is retained in a matt, velvety character — typical of the timelessly elegant finishing of French limestones.

Geologically, Richeval is an exceptionally dense sedimentary limestone from the quarry region near Richeval in the Moselle département in Lorraine, in the north-east of France (near the German border, about 50 km east of Nancy). The region is part of the Lorraine sedimentary basin, which during the Mesozoic was a significant limestone province. In international trade the synonyms Pierre Calcaire Richeval (the original French designation), Richeval Limestone and occasionally Calcaire de Richeval circulate. An important distinction: a Portuguese 'Limestone Richeval' (Rijo Rosal) also circulates in part in the trade as a misleading trade alias — this is, however, a different stone with completely different technical properties (water absorption 5.12 %, compressive strength 55–60 MPa, bulk density 2,340 kg/m³). When ordering we recommend always specifying the exact supplier and the origin (France/Lorraine).

Technically, Richeval shows exceptionally strong values for a limestone, which set it clearly apart from typical Mediterranean sedimentary limestones: bulk density 2,670 kg/m³ (very high for a limestone, comparable with a dense granite), compressive strength 184.3–202.1 MPa (exceptionally high — at the level of high-grade granites and clearly above typical limestones at 80–120 MPa), flexural strength 15.21 MPa (very high for a limestone), water absorption only 0.06 % (extremely low — at the level of dense granites). Mohs hardness 3–4 (typical of calcite limestones). The extremely low water absorption and the high strength point to a very fine-grained, lithographic limestone type — similar to the famous lithographic limestone of Solnhofen in Bavaria, which is world-renowned for its density and fineness. Important: despite its exceptional density, Richeval is acid-sensitive as a calcite limestone — wine, lemon juice, vinegar, cola, sanitary cleaners or descalers immediately leave etch marks and matt patches on untreated surfaces.

At ROSSITTIS we carry Richeval as a raw slab in 10, 13 and 20 mm thickness (typical French standard thicknesses for interior wall and floor applications), in tiles for floor and wall applications, as a skirting and for project-specific cut to size. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Compared with classic French sedimentary limestones such as Pierre de Bourgogne (with golden accents), Pierre de Comblanchien (warm beige with a finer structure), Pierre de Hauteville (anthracite grey) or with Mediterranean grades such as Crema Marfil (Spanish, somewhat warmer), Richeval brings a particularly dense, technically capable version with an exceptionally low water absorption — a limestone of the upper premium class with strength values almost comparable to granite. Against Turkish limestones such as Miros or Myra, Richeval is markedly denser and stronger. For architectural projects with a classically restrained French elegance — bathrooms with a pierre-de-France character, spa areas, wall claddings in hotels, interior floors in prestigious living spaces, vanity tops and exclusive interior fittings — Richeval is a very fitting choice within the pale French sedimentary limestone range. Important for the planning: despite its exceptional density Richeval is a limestone and therefore acid-sensitive — the choice of material should be made with a clear understanding of this characteristic.

In stock

Current availability from our warehouse.

9 slabs in stock · plus 9 blocks

Thicknesses: 1–2 cm · Finishes: Polished, Honed C220 · Available as: Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs

Updated daily from our live stock.

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Technical data

Guide values for the stone type, taken from manufacturer and test reports. Natural stone is a natural product — individual batches and slabs can differ. For critical applications, request slab-specific test data.

Rohdichte 2.670 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 193,2 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 15,2 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,06 %

Suitability by application

Finishes

Richeval is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.

Polished

Polishing is the most classic finish for marble and limestone — a glossy surface with the highest possible colour intensity and a pronounced depth to the veining. Depending on the mineral composition, the effect can be matte-gloss in places. Acid-sensitive — wine, lemon and vinegar leave etch marks after prolonged contact.

Honed C220

A matt appearance created by fine honing with C220 grit — the level surface looks calm, with a somewhat more intense colour effect than C120; light honing marks are possible. More maintenance-intensive than polished, but more scratch-resistant and matt-elegant — a popular choice for modern floors and wall claddings.

Care & fabrication

Despite its exceptionally dense structure (water absorption only 0.06 %), Richeval is acid-sensitive as a calcite limestone. With a Mohs hardness of 3–4 the stone calls for conscious care and consistent impregnation. These points should be deliberately taken into account in the choice of material — Richeval is a deliberately chosen design material with a French, elegant character, not a care-free all-rounder.

For interior applications we recommend a careful impregnation on a silane or polysiloxane basis at first installation. With the exceptionally low water absorption of 0.06 %, Richeval is practically non-absorbent — the impregnation serves rather as additional insurance against acid etch marks than as necessary protection against the ingress of water. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Day-to-day care is carried out with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft cloth or microfibre mop. Clean warm water is usually enough. Acidic cleaners (vinegar, citric acid, sanitary cleaners, descalers) are STRICTLY to be avoided — they attack the limestone immediately and leave matt etch marks that can only be removed by professional re-grinding. Cola, wine, tomato sauce and citrus fruits can also leave etch marks on untreated surfaces — take up spills immediately. Particularly important in bathrooms: remove water and soap residues regularly, because soap residues that act for longer can permanently reduce the gloss.

For kitchen worktops Richeval is only conditionally suitable — it is not fully acid-resistant and not fully resistant to cutting and scratching (Mohs hardness 3–4 vs. 7+ with granite/quartzite). The exceptionally high compressive strength (184–202 MPa) is impressive, but not the decisive factor for kitchen worktops — what is decisive is the reactivity to acid. Heat resistance is given, but hot pots should not be set down directly (use trivets). For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative hard rocks. For an elegant designer kitchen with a restrained French character and careful maintenance, however, Richeval can be highly effective.

For bathrooms and wellness areas Richeval is a very fitting choice — the calm, pale material effect brings the typical spa atmosphere with French elegance. Important here: where there is direct water loading (shower walls, bath surrounds, vanity units) a particularly careful impregnation is mandatory, and acidic sanitary cleaners are strictly to be avoided. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

For exterior applications Richeval is, with its low water absorption (0.06 %), in principle frost-resistant — we recommend requesting a concrete DIN/EN frost resistance test on a project basis before large-scale exterior applications. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. For pool surrounds a slip-inhibiting textured surface is mandatory for slip resistance. In areas with frequent salt contact (road salt, pool chlorine), acid-like loadings are particularly critical — an additional annual refreshing of the impregnation is highly advisable here.

Frequently asked questions

What is Richeval geologically?

Richeval is an exceptionally dense sedimentary limestone from the Richeval region in the Moselle département in Lorraine, in the north-east of France. The region is part of the Lorraine sedimentary basin, which during the Mesozoic was a significant limestone province. Petrographically a fine-grained calcite limestone of lithographic quality — very fine-grained and exceptionally dense.

Which synonyms are there?

In international trade Richeval also runs under the designations Pierre Calcaire Richeval (the original French designation), Richeval Limestone and occasionally Calcaire de Richeval. IMPORTANT: a Portuguese 'Limestone Richeval' (Rijo Rosal) also circulates in part in the trade as a misleading trade alias — this is, however, a different stone. When ordering we recommend always specifying the supplier and the origin (France/Lorraine).

What technical values does Richeval have?

Exceptionally strong values for a limestone: bulk density 2,670 kg/m³ (very high), compressive strength 184.3–202.1 MPa (at granite level, clearly above typical limestones), flexural strength 15.21 MPa (very high), water absorption only 0.06 % (extremely low — at the level of dense granites), Mohs hardness 3–4. The values qualify Richeval as a premium limestone of the upper strength class — comparable with the famous lithographic Solnhofen limestone.

Is Richeval suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Conditionally suitable, with restrictions. Despite the exceptional density and very high compressive strength (184–202 MPa), Richeval is acid-sensitive as a calcite limestone — wine, lemon juice or vinegar immediately leave etch marks. With a Mohs hardness of 3–4 the stone is moreover not fully resistant to cutting and scratching. For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative hard rocks. For an elegant designer kitchen with a restrained French character and careful maintenance, however, Richeval can be highly effective.

Is Richeval suitable for bathrooms and wall surfaces?

Yes, that is precisely where Richeval comes into its own particularly well. The calm, pale material effect brings the typical spa atmosphere with French elegance. Where there is direct water loading (shower walls, vanity units) a careful impregnation is mandatory and acidic sanitary cleaners are strictly to be avoided. A honed surface shows water marks less visibly than a polished one.

How do I clean and care for Richeval?

Richeval calls for conscious limestone care: first installation with a silane or polysiloxane impregnation, daily care with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Acidic cleaners (vinegar, citric acid, sanitary cleaners, descalers) are STRICTLY to be avoided — they cause immediate etch marks. Take up cola, wine, tomato sauce and citrus fruits immediately when spilled. Refresh the impregnation every 5–8 years (in heavily used areas every 3–5 years). With the exceptionally low water absorption, one layer of impregnation is often enough.

Which surface finishes are there for Richeval?

The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block on this page.

Richeval or Pierre de Bourgogne?

Both are classic French sedimentary limestones, but they differ markedly in tint and strength. Pierre de Bourgogne (Burgundy) brings a warm honey-yellow and creamy tint with golden accents — the classic 'sun limestone' of France. Richeval (Lorraine) is calmer, more neutral and creamy ivory, with a markedly higher strength (compressive strength 184–202 MPa vs. ~120 MPa with Bourgogne) and a markedly lower water absorption (0.06 % vs. ~1–2 %). For the highest strength requirements Richeval is the technically more capable choice; for a classically warm character Pierre de Bourgogne is more coherent.

What does Richeval cost?

The price depends on the batch, thickness, surface finish and fabrication — with natural stone there is no serious flat rate per square metre. Business customers see prices once their B2B account is activated; private customers receive a complete quote through a fabricator near them.