Anamosa Limestone facts for kids
Anamosa Limestone is a special type of rock found near Stone City, Iowa. This town is located right next to the Wapsipinicon River, not far from Anamosa, Iowa. People dig this stone out of the ground in quarries.
What makes Anamosa Limestone unique? It has a very even look, a consistent color, and cool stripes or bands. It's also very strong and lasts a long time. But its most special feature is its wavy, layered patterns, almost like tree rings, called laminations.
This interesting stone is part of a larger rock layer called the Gower Formation. This is the newest rock layer from the Silurian Period in Iowa. Above the Gower Formation, there's an older rock layer from the mid-Devonian Period. The Anamosa Limestone is usually a "Buff" color, which means it's a warm, light golden shade.
Famous Buildings Made with Anamosa Limestone
People have been digging up Anamosa Limestone in Stone City since the 1850s. This stone has been used to build many different things, like buildings, bridges, and the strong supports for bridges.
Some old and important buildings made with Anamosa Stone include:
- King Chapel at Cornell College
- The Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa, Iowa
- Lincoln School in Rock Island, Illinois
You can also see Anamosa Stone in newer buildings all across the United States. A great example is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. Its unique look helps make these buildings stand out!