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
Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Street Stone Arch Bridges Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Street Stone Arch Bridges The Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Street Stone Arch Bridges are three stone arch bridges in Charleston, Illinois, which carry Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Streets across the Town Branch of Cassell Creek. Prominent local stonemason Alexander Briggs built the three bridges during the 1890s, when increasing development in Charleston expanded across the creek. The three bridges were all built from locally quarried limestone, and each has a single arch design with abutments at both ends. While Charleston has thirteen bridges across the Town Branch, these three are the only stone arch bridges in