Rosendale cement
June 3, 2009 by blogtopia
Filed under Definitions
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 used in the construction of many of the United States most important landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, Federal Hall, and one of the wings of the United States Capitol building.
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 the chemical additives characteristic of modern Portland cement production.
Many of the original cement plants in the Rosendale area are preserved in the Snyder Estate Natural Cement Historic District.
Source: Wikipedia
Tags: cement, Rosendale cement