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Episodes 2015; 38(2): 91-96

Published online June 1, 2015

https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2015/v38i2/004

Copyright © International Union of Geological Sciences.

Lede Stone: A potential “Global Heritage Stone Resource” from Belgium

Tim De Kock1,*, Marijn Boone 1,2, Jan Dewanckele, Marleen De Ceukelaire3, Veerle Cnudde1

1Department of Geology and Soil Science & Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT), Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/ S8, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
2Unit Sustainable Materials Management, VITO, Mol, Belgium
3Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Scientific Service Heritage, collections geology, Jennerstraat 13, 1000 Brussels, Belgium *corresponding author E-mail: tim.dekock@ugent.be

Correspondence to:*E-mail: tim.dekock@ugent.be

Received: December 12, 2013; Revised: May 28, 2014; Accepted: May 28, 2014

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Lede Stone is an important dimension stone with major relevance for Belgian and Dutch cultural heritage. It is sourced from the Eocene (Lutetian) Lede Formation, mainly in the region to the southeast of Ghent in Belgium. The oldest known use dates back to Roman times. With the rise of Gothic architecture during the middle ages, the use of Lede Stone increased substantially. Quarries arose at different locations at different times. Today only one active quarry remains, after a period of nonproduction during the 20th century. Current production is mainly used for restoration purposes. A major concern is the use of alien stones as a substitute for Lede Stone in cultural heritage restoration. In the light of the establishment of the “Heritage Stone Task Group”, this paper deals with requirements of its “Terms of Reference” and illustrates the stone’s nature, technical properties, utilization and associated issues. It should contribute to the cultural appreciation and preservation of this stone.