Rosendale cement

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rosendale cement refers to a type of natural cement produced in and around Rosendale, New York. Because of its reputation, "Rosendale Cement" has also been used as a generic term to refer to natural hydraulic cement produced elsewhere. It was most famously used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Natural cement is produced in a simple process that begins with the calcination of crushed carbonate sedimentary rocks in kilns. The resulting clinker is ground into a fine powder before being shipped to market. Historically, this natural cement product was packaged in paper-lined wooden barrels or heavy canvas bags. Rosendale natural cement was produced from dolostone extracted from the Rosendale and Whiteport members of the Late Silurian Rondout Formation. The natural levels of magnesium and clay in the dolostone from the Rondout Formation are ideally suited for cement production and required none of chemical additives characteristic of modern Portland cement production.

[edit] External links

• The Century House Historical Society
• The Society for the Preservation of Historic Cements, Inc.