Gohare Grooved Limestone from Iran
Gohare Grooved Limestone is an Iranian cream limestone processed with parallel linear channels. These grooves create a directional surface pattern, reduce strong light reflection and produce controlled shadow lines across the stone.
The base stone is extracted near Khorramabad in Lorestan Province, western Iran. Its light cream-to-beige background and relatively uniform structure make it suitable for façades, interior walls, stair areas and custom architectural components.

What is Gohare Grooved Limestone?
Gohare Grooved Limestone is produced by mechanically cutting parallel channels into the face of Gohare limestone. Groove width, depth, direction and spacing can be adjusted according to approved drawings and production limits.
Unlike polished stone, which focuses on surface shine, or honed stone, which provides a smooth matte face, the grooved finish focuses on linear structure and directional texture.
The channels interact with daylight and artificial lighting to create shadow lines. The final visual effect depends on groove dimensions, panel orientation, joint arrangement and the direction of installation.
Color, fossils and visual sorting
Gohare limestone normally has a light cream, beige or greyish-cream background. Natural grey fossil markings may appear in different quantities. Based on their visual concentration, the material can be classified into low-fossil, medium-fossil and high-fossil selections.
- Background color: Light cream to beige
- Surface pattern: Parallel and directional grooves
- Natural markings: Occasional grey fossils
- Light reflection: Lower than polished stone
- Sorting: Based on color and fossil concentration
Fossil concentration is a visual sorting factor and does not independently determine technical quality. For large elevations, samples from the intended production lot should be approved before cutting begins.
Grooving process and customization
The production of Gohare Grooved Limestone begins with block selection, cutting and calibration. After the pieces reach the required thickness, mechanical cutting equipment creates grooves across the stone face.
Important production variables include:
- Groove width
- Groove depth
- Distance between grooves
- Direction of the linear pattern
- Distance between the first groove and the panel edge
- Panel dimensions and thickness
The drawing should define these details before mass production. Deeper or closely spaced grooves reduce the remaining stone thickness between channels; therefore, groove design must be compatible with panel thickness and installation method.
Benefits of Gohare Grooved Limestone
- Directional design: Linear channels create an organized surface rhythm.
- Controlled shadow: Grooves form shadow lines that change with the angle of light.
- Reduced glare: The structured surface reflects less direct light than polished stone.
- Custom production: Groove width, spacing and depth can be manufactured according to drawings.
- Potentially improved grip: Grooves may increase traction in selected directions, but slip resistance must be tested for the application.
- CNC compatibility: The stone can also be processed into frames, columns and façade details.
Technical specifications
The following figures are indicative values for Gohare limestone. Actual results may vary according to quarry section, block, production lot, sample orientation and laboratory method.
| Property | Indicative value | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Stone classification | Natural limestone | Geological classification |
| Color | Light cream to beige | Visual sorting |
| Water absorption | Approximately 0.53% | ASTM C97 |
| Bulk density | Approximately 2661 kg/m³ | ASTM C97 |
| Porosity | Approximately 2.59% | ASTM C97 |
| Compressive strength | Approximately 19.4 MPa | ASTM C170 |
| Flexural strength | Approximately 12.4 MPa | Laboratory report |
| Abrasion test result | Approximately 59.31 mm | EN 14157 |
These figures must be confirmed through the certificate for the supplied lot. ASTM C97/C97M covers absorption and bulk specific gravity testing for dimension stone. Further testing information is available from the Natural Stone Institute.
Applications of Gohare Grooved Limestone
Gohare Grooved Limestone can be manufactured for different architectural applications:
- Exterior façades: Mechanically fixed panels subject to engineering approval
- Interior walls: Lobbies, corridors, reception areas and stair walls
- Architectural wall sections: Linear panels with controlled shadow patterns
- Columns and frames: Straight-cut or CNC-manufactured elements
- Stairs and risers: Where the groove direction and walking safety are correctly designed
- Landscape walls: Vertical applications with proper drainage
- Custom façade components: Pieces manufactured according to project drawings
Slip resistance and flooring
Grooves may improve grip in certain directions, but Gohare Grooved Limestone should not automatically be described as completely non-slip. Performance depends on groove design, surface treatment, walking direction, contamination and moisture.
For ramps, public stairs or wet floors, the finished product should be tested according to the applicable slip-resistance standard. Deep grooves may also collect dirt and require a more detailed cleaning plan.
Exterior installation and climate
Exterior suitability depends on the climate, panel thickness, anchor design, joint details, drainage and test results for the intended stone lot. Grooving does not make limestone waterproof or completely resistant to freeze–thaw exposure.
For cold or wet climates, project-specific testing, suitable mechanical fixing, protected joints and controlled drainage are recommended. A compatible penetrating sealer may reduce moisture and staining, but it cannot provide complete waterproofing.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for limestone.
- Do not use vinegar, acidic cleaners or aggressive descaling products.
- Clean inside the grooves with a soft non-metallic brush.
- Avoid high-pressure cleaning unless approved for the installation.
- Inspect exterior joints, anchors and drainage periodically.
Available formats
Negin Sang Karimi can manufacture the material as slabs, tiles, steps and risers, battens, wall panels and custom cut-to-size pieces.
Related pages include Gohare Honed, the complete limestone collection and the Karimi Stone product catalogue.
Production and export by Karimi Stone
Negin Sang Karimi (Karimi Stone) manages quarry selection, cutting, calibration, grooving, sorting, quality control and export preparation. Direct control of production supports stable supply and coordinated sorting for large projects.
Quality control includes checking panel dimensions, thickness, groove direction, spacing, depth, edge condition and visible defects. A sample panel should be approved before mass production to confirm the complete groove pattern.
For samples, technical documents or a quotation for Gohare Grooved Limestone, please contact Karimi Stone.
Frequently asked questions
Can the groove dimensions be customized?
Yes. Groove width, depth, spacing and direction can be manufactured according to approved drawings and technical limitations.
Is grooved Gohare limestone non-slip?
Grooves may improve traction, but slip resistance must be tested for the intended floor, walking direction and moisture condition.
Can it be used on an exterior façade?
Yes, when panel dimensions, stone thickness, anchoring, drainage, climate and test results have been approved by the project engineer.
Can Karimi Stone supply large project quantities?
Yes. Production scheduling, visual sorting and export packaging can be organized for small and large orders.





