Akiyoshi Limestone (Yamaguchi Prefecture) [Famous Stones of Japan]

AKIYOSHI Limestone

Akiyoshi Limestone

Akiyoshidai, a vast expanse of uniquely shaped limestone, is Japan's largest karst plateau and has been designated a Special Natural Monument.
From the Carboniferous to the Permian period of the Paleozoic era (350 million years ago), Akiyoshidai was located in the sea and was a coral reef.
When this calcium is broken down and deposited on the seabed, etc., it is crystallized by geothermal hydrothermal action and becomes limestone.
Now the coral reef has risen from the sea and become land, and has become a national park that is a popular tourist destination every day.
And when limestone is further transformed, it is called marble.
(*To be precise, marble is called onyx marble and is distinguished from limestone.)
Limestone is white, while marble is gray and has a unique, beautiful striped pattern.
White limestone allows light to pass through.

Akiyoshidai, an area of ​​​​uniquely shaped limestone that rises up, is the largest karst plateau in Japan and has been designated a special natural monument. From the Carboniferous to the Permian period of the Paleozoic Era (350 million years ago), Akiyoshidai was in the sea and was a coral reef. The calcium that broke down and accumulated on the seabed and other places, then crystallized due to hydrothermal action caused by geothermal heat, and is called limestone. Today, the coral reef has risen out of the sea and become land, has become a quasi-national park that attracts tourists every day. And when limestone is further metamorphosed, it becomes marble. (To be precise, marble is called onyx marble and is distinguished from limestone.) Limestone is white, while marble is colored gray and has a unique and beautiful striped pattern. White limestone allows light to pass through.