Dolomite Kaarma

Kaarma dolomite is quarried on Saaremaa island near the city of Kuressaare. Due to its value, Kaarma dolomite is also known as Saaremaa marble. This fine crystalline natural stone with colour ranging from light grey to bluish-grey is found in massive layers up to one meter thick. Kaarma dolomite formed more than 400 million years ago. When freshly quarried the stone is easy to process and nowadays it is mostly used for finishing.

Centuries ago, Kaarma natural stone was among other things used for constructing Kuressaare castle, Kaarma church, Tallinn’s St. Nicholas Church, and Riga cathedral (in Latvia). This local dolomite was used for constructing the Kaarma church already in the 13th century. A century later this stone was used in the Estonian mainland. Starting from the 17th century the stone was also used in Tallinn.

Larger-scale quarrying of Kaarma dolomite began in the middle of the 20th century when it was also exported to Russia and Latvia. The best examples of the modern use of Kaarma dolomite are the Kumu Art Museum, Tallinn University building, and Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

Kaarma dolomite is one of the two best-known natural stones quarried on Saaremaa island – the other one being Selgase dolomite.

Also known as: Saaremaa marble and Saaremaa dolomite.

Colour: the main tone is light grey; not sorted by colour or pattern.

Surface treatment: sawn, honed, rock-face, planed, bush-hammered, scratched.

Recommendations for use:

• ideal for use on façades
• ventilated façade claddings and self-supporting masonries
• socle stones and masonry stones
• water diverters, cornice stones, beams and windowsills with different profiles
• exterior and interior stairs, stair landings
• terrace tiles, paving slabs, balustrades, pillars and fireplaces
• floor tiles and wall tiles for interior use
• different interior design elements