Frequently Asked Questions

What is dolomitic limestone?
Mankato Kasota Stone quarries dolomitic limestone. Dolomitic limestone is a stronger and less porous limestone. MKS dolomitic limestone is a calcareous stone which is mostly composed of calcium carbonate, this alone making it so very sensitive to and acid or harsh chemicals. Dolomite limestone also has magnesium properties and distinct color veins, which really make MKS stand apart from other types of limestone. Most other limestones do not have the rich colors found in MKS dolomite limestone. MKS quarries from three very distinct veins of color.

What makes Mankato Kasota Stone better than other stone?
Mankato Kasota limestone is a dolomitic limestone which makes it a stronger and less porous stone. Specifically Mankato Kasota Limestone is quarried from three very distinctive veins, which provide the rich colors and the various ranges within those colors. These ranges offer the uniqueness in color that makes buildings and landscapes stand out from the average brick or other natural stones that are quarried from a single sedimentary vein.

How can I purchase your product?
For architectural projects, please call us at 1.800.437.7059 and we will begin a quote request at that time. For our stone veneer and landscape products, please click here to be directed to our dealer locater.

What does your product cost?
Please contact one of our dealers for our residential product line. For an architectural or custom project, please call us at 1.800.437.7059 and we will be happy to assist you by starting a quote file. We will get an estimate to you as quickly as possible – if you are on a short time line, tell us that when you call and we’ll expedite the file through our system.

Can I order job lot sizes?
Our dealers are equipped to sell you the amount of stone needed for your project. For any architectural products, we customize the job to your project and specifications.

How long will the stone last?
With proper care, Mankato Kasota Limestone will last many generations. Please refer to the cleaning instructions below.

Is Mankato Kasota Limestone considered a green product?
At MKS, we understand the importance of "Green Building" and we continue to follow guidelines that establish companies as green manufacturers. Below we have outlined four key Green Building classification requirements and explain how MKS complies.
  1. To be classified as a green building material, the material must be healthy for the interior environment and not produce any indoor air quality problems. MKS has zero emissions and no fibers are released from the manufacturing of dolomitic limestone. We use a wet process which eliminates dust from the cutting process. During the finishing process we have installed state of the art filtration and breathing apparatus equipment. We have provided extensive training for our finishing line staff.
  2. Materials must be healthy for the natural environment. This is taken into consideration during the mining process and how the stone is cut and removed from our quarries following ecological guidelines. We also adhere to a regular schedule for restoration of our quarries. We will be filling in a portion of our quarry this year to begin the process of building it into a natural wetland.
  3. Long lasting materials. Dolomitic limestone is a natural product that will last 100’s of years before needing to be replaced. Dolomitic limestone is the most durable of limestone’s – it has a strong magnesium property that contributes to the stone being a less porous and a strong product that adds to the longevity of the product both exterior and interior applications.
  4. Materials are locally obtained. MKS owns quarries that are all within five miles of our manufacturing and production facility. We are able to send shipments to customers using either rail or truck.
Does MKS have a warranty?
At Mankato Kasota Stone, we stand behind our product 100% - customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. There should be no issues with our limestone if proper care and cleaning instructions are followed. Refer to cleaning instructions below. Please call our Customer Service Department with comments or concerns that may arise – 1.800.437.7059.

Can I clean my limestone?
Yes, please see instructions below. Be careful when choosing a cleaner for your stone, as many household cleaning agents contain high amounts of acid and can damage your stone.

SIMPLE CLEANING
  1. Sponge and clear water. Thoroughly wet the area then sponge clean the surface. The areas with more persistent dirt a stiff bristle brush may be used. (Keep in mind a stiff bristle brush may dull the finish since it may take a thin layer of stone off the face depending on the amount of pressure applied to the brush).
  2. Mild detergent, clear water and sponge. Wet the area to be cleaned, then using a diluted mild detergent (without additives such as lemon, etc.,) with potable water solution and a sponge clean the limestone. Thoroughly rinse with clean potable water, the area before the detergent solution dries, before moving on to the next area.
  3. Hose water. Using a standard garden hose with a typical nozzle and normal tap water pressure wash the area. Sparingly use a brush for stubborn areas.
AGGRESSIVE CLEANING
  1. Pressure wash. Use a pressure washer of 1200 to 2000 PSI with a 45-degree angle fan-shaped nozzle. Keeping a continuous sweeping motion not less than 6” from the surface to be cleaned will properly clean the limestone. Note this will remove a very fine amount of stone.
  2. Chemical cleaners. Consult with the manufacturers of chemical cleaning solutions for the compatibility of their product and Mankato Kasota Stone’s Dolomitic Limestone.
STAIN REMOVAL

Stains may occur for various reasons. Before any stain is removed it must be identified and its cause must be determined to prevent reoccurrence of the stain. Some stains are: metallic stains caused from copper roofs, down spouts, rust from iron, etc., other stains are petroleum based (oil or grease), roofing tar, joint caulking, paint droppings or graffiti, lichens, algae and fungal growth, and efflorescence. Most stains, both listed here and those not listed should be removed by a professional cleaner experienced in cleaning Dolomitic Limestone. Minor stains may be treated with the same methods as described under cleaning methods previously stated. However, care must be taken to properly treat the stain and prevent reoccurrence.

Can a sealant be used to protect the limestone?
Yes, there are sealants that are made specifically for use with limestone. When using a sealant, we recommend that the sealant be refreshed every one – two years. To find a sealant, contact a masonry/construction supply outlet. Also check out our dealer link – many of our dealers will be able to recommend a sealant.

Should I use mortar or caulk when installing MKS Limestone?
Mankato Kasota Stone limestone is fine to use either mortar or caulk. Open joints are not recommended in areas where freeze/thaw is an issue. MKS recommends that the manufacturer of the caulk/mortar be contacted prior to using to ensure that no staining of the stone will occur. Most manufacturers of mortar/caulk have test data available.

Can I contact any of your projects?
Yes. Please call us and we would be happy to provide you with contact information.