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
Paulina's limestone rat Paulina's limestone rat Paulina's limestone rat ("Saxatilomys paulinae") is a genus of murid rodent native to central Laos and Vietnam. It was first discovered in the Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Khammouan Province, Laos, and also been found in the Vietnamese province of Quang Bình. It is the only known species in the genus Saxatilomys. The genus name is derived from the Latin "saxatilis", meaning "among the rocks" and the Greek "mys", meaning mouse or rat. It resembles, and is likely closely related to, species in the genera "Niviventer" and "Chiromyscus". "Saxatilomys" is distinguished from these and other