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
Anamosa Limestone quarried in Stone City since the 1850s and has been used in building construction, bridges, and bridge piers. Historic buildings such as King Chapel at Cornell College, Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa, Iowa, and Lincoln School in Rock Island, Illinois were built using Anamosa Stone. Anamosa Stone can also be seen in new construction all over the United States, such as the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. Anamosa Limestone Anamosa Limestone or Anamosa Member is a dolomitic limestone quarried out of Stone City, Iowa, which is located along the Wapsipinicon River about two miles west of Anamosa, Iowa.