Stone sculpture stone carving. Alabaster and softer kinds of serpentine, all about 3 on the Mohs scale, are more durable than soapstone. Alabaster, in particular, has long been cherished for its translucence. Limestone and sandstone, at about 4 on the Mohs scale, are the only sedimentary stones commonly carved. Limestone comes in a popular oolitic variety, about twice as hard as alabaster, that is excellent for carving. The harder serpentines can also reach 4 on the Mohs scale. Marble, travertine, and onyx are at about 6 on the Mohs scale. Marble has been the preferred stone for sculptors in the European tradition
Fencepost limestone as well as the unique coloration and rustic quarry facing of the stone, finds the posts and the source limestone used in modern landscaping in locations as far away from the outcrop as people are willing to haul it. Commonly, original posts removed from demolished or replaced stone post fences are repurposed. Also, blocks of Fencepost limestone are recovered from collapsed or demolished buildings. Fresh stone is also quarried for landscaping and novelty products. Roughly only a foot thick, fine-grained Fencepost limestone has seen limited use in public sculpture. However, the ability to make large stone slabs has seen the