Limestone Countertops: What the Chicago Water Tower Teaches Us

Limestone, granite, quartzite and quartz countertop stones in Chicagoland

Written by the Al Jory Marble team, countertop fabricators and installers in Crestwood, Illinois. Published November 6, 2026.

The Chicago Water Tower is one of the most famous buildings in the city. What most people don’t know is that its stone came from right here in our part of Chicagoland. Before you think about limestone countertops, here’s the story of the stone that built Chicago.

Meet the Water Tower

Finished in 1869, designed by architect William W. Boyington
Built from yellow limestone quarried in Joliet and Lemont
Survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It had little wood inside to burn.
Today it houses the City Gallery, a free photo gallery. Check the City’s site before you go, since it opens only during exhibits.

Fun fact: the Chicago Architecture Center points out that the Water Tower wasn’t the only building left standing after the fire. That’s a popular myth.

Why Is It Called “Athens Marble”?

Back in the 1800s, this local stone was sold under the name “Athens marble.” Lemont was once called Athens, and the name sounded fancy. But it isn’t marble at all. Geologists say it’s a dolomite limestone.

The stone was found while workers were digging the Illinois and Michigan Canal. According to the Village of Lemont, it was used in Holy Name Cathedral, the Stockyards gate, and parts of the Illinois State Capitol. Lemont and Joliet are just a short drive from our shop in Crestwood, so this stone is truly local.

Can You Use Limestone for Countertops?

Yes, with care. The Natural Stone Institute says limestone can be used as a kitchen countertop as long as you treat it gently. Here’s what to know:

It’s soft. Limestone rates about 3 on the Mohs hardness scale, a little softer than marble.
It etches. Like marble, it’s made of calcite, so acids like lemon juice, vinegar and wine leave dull marks.
It needs sealing. Its porosity varies a lot from stone to stone.
It gets a patina. Over time, it takes on a soft, worn look.

How Limestone Compares

Stone	Hardness (Mohs)	Etches From Acids?	Best For
Limestone	About 3	Yes	Fireplaces, accent walls, low-use spots
Marble	About 3.5	Yes	Vanities, baking stations, homeowners who like patina
Granite	About 6	No	Busy kitchens
Quartzite	About 7	No	Busy kitchens with a natural look
Quartz	Engineered	No	Low maintenance (keep hot pans off)

Hardness figures are from the Natural Stone Institute.

Where Limestone Shines at Home

Fireplace surrounds. No cooking, no spills. See our stone fireplace surround guide.
Accent walls and ledges
Low-use bathroom spaces

For a busy family kitchen, most homeowners are happier with granite countertops, quartzite countertops or quartz countertops. Not sure which? Read quartz vs. granite vs. quartzite.

Quick Tips If You Choose a Soft Stone

Seal it before use and on a regular schedule
Wipe spills right away, especially acids and oils
Use trivets, coasters and cutting boards
Clean with pH-neutral soap only
Pick a honed finish so wear shows less

Stone Is Part of Chicagoland’s Story

From the Water Tower to Holy Name Cathedral, local stone helped build this city. At Al Jory Marble, we’ve been cutting and fabricating stone in our own shop in Crestwood since 2015. As a Chicagoland stone fabricator, we’ll help you find the right stone for how you actually live.

Al Jory Marble
4711 W. 135th St., Crestwood, IL 60418
Phone: (708) 362-7674
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get a free, no-obligation estimate.