Gohare Cut-Broken Limestone
Gohare Cut-Broken is a textured architectural finish produced from Iranian Gohare limestone. Its surface combines mechanically cut grooves with controlled breaking to create irregular ridges, a matte appearance and strong light-and-shadow contrast.
Gohare limestone is extracted near Khorramabad in Lorestan Province, western Iran. Its light cream-to-beige background, fine structure and occasional grey fossils provide a suitable base for textured façade panels and decorative wall elements.
What is the Gohare Cut-Broken finish?
Gohare Cut-Broken is created through a combination of cutting and controlled mechanical breaking. First, parallel grooves are cut into the surface. The raised sections between or beside the grooves are then broken by hand tools or mechanical equipment.
This process creates an uneven surface that remains organized by the original groove pattern. Unlike polished limestone or honed limestone, the aim is not to produce a flat face. The remaining ridges intentionally interact with natural and artificial light.
Production process
- Block selection: Quarry blocks are selected according to color, fossil concentration and structural condition.
- Cutting: Blocks are cut into slabs, tiles or façade components.
- Calibration: Pieces are adjusted to the required thickness.
- Grooving: Parallel cuts are made according to an approved sample or drawing.
- Controlled breaking: The raised sections are mechanically or manually broken.
- Cleaning: Loose particles and processing dust are removed.
- Inspection: Texture, dimensions, thickness and edge condition are checked.
The depth and density of the texture can vary according to groove spacing, cutting depth, tool type and breaking pressure. A physical reference sample should therefore be approved before mass production.
Appearance and sorting
Gohare Cut-Broken Limestone normally has a light cream, beige or greyish-cream background. Grey fossil markings may appear with different levels of concentration.
- Low-fossil selection: Cleaner and more uniform background
- Medium-fossil selection: Balanced natural fossil distribution
- High-fossil selection: More visible grey fossil patterns
This classification is based on appearance rather than an independent technical quality grade. Because the broken surface can make fossils more visible, careful sorting is important for large façades.
Main benefits of Gohare Cut-Broken
- Three-dimensional texture: Broken ridges create depth across the stone face.
- Strong shadow lines: The surface changes visually according to the direction of light.
- Low reflection: The broken surface produces less glare than polished stone.
- Controlled manufacturing: Groove spacing and breaking intensity can be defined through samples.
- Suitable for vertical surfaces: The finish is primarily designed for façades and walls.
- Reduced visibility of minor surface marks: Small marks are generally less visible than on smooth glossy stone.
Technical specifications
The following figures are indicative values for Gohare limestone. 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 |
Values must be confirmed through the certificate for the supplied lot. ASTM C97/C97M covers absorption and bulk specific gravity testing for dimension stone. More information about natural-stone testing is available from the Natural Stone Institute.
Applications of Gohare Cut-Broken Limestone
Gohare Cut-Broken is mainly recommended for vertical applications where its textured surface can be seen clearly:
- Exterior building façades
- Interior architectural walls
- Entrance walls and portals
- Commercial and public building cladding
- Lobby and reception walls
- Stairwell walls
- Landscape and boundary walls
- Custom façade panels
The finish is generally not intended for countertops or working surfaces because the deep texture is more difficult to clean. Flooring applications should also be evaluated carefully because the raised ridges may create an uneven walking surface.
Exterior installation
Exterior use of Gohare Cut-Broken Limestone depends on panel dimensions, remaining stone thickness, climate, anchoring and water management. Surface breaking does not make limestone completely waterproof or frost-proof.
Mechanical fixing is generally recommended for façade panels according to engineering calculations and local regulations. The anchor must connect to a structurally sound part of the panel rather than a thin or heavily broken surface section.
In cold or wet climates, project-specific testing, protected joints, suitable drainage and a compatible penetrating sealer may be required. Sealers can reduce moisture penetration but cannot replace correct installation.
Cleaning and maintenance
- Remove dust with a soft brush or controlled low-pressure air.
- Use a pH-neutral cleaning product suitable for limestone.
- Avoid vinegar, acidic cleaners and aggressive chemicals.
- Do not use uncontrolled high-pressure washing.
- Inspect façade anchors, joints and drainage periodically.
Available formats
Negin Sang Karimi can manufacture Gohare Cut-Broken as tiles, façade panels, battens, free-length pieces and custom cut-to-size components. Final availability depends on thickness, dimensions and the selected texture.
Related products include Gohare Grooved, Gohare Honed and the complete Gohare limestone collection.
Production and export by Karimi Stone
Negin Sang Karimi (Karimi Stone) manages block selection, cutting, grooving, controlled breaking, sorting, quality control and export preparation.
Before packing, pieces are inspected for dimensions, thickness, surface depth, texture consistency, edge condition and visible cracks. Export packing can be prepared in reinforced wooden crates with separators and internal protection suitable for textured stone.
For samples, technical documents or a quotation for Gohare Cut-Broken, please contact Karimi Stone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cut-Broken the same as Split-Face?
No. Cut-Broken normally starts with controlled grooves followed by breaking. Split-face is created by splitting the stone to expose a naturally fractured face.
Can the texture be customized?
Yes. Groove spacing, cutting depth and breaking intensity can be adjusted within production limits.
Is this finish suitable for flooring?
It is primarily intended for vertical surfaces. Flooring use requires an evaluation of walking comfort, cleaning and safety.
Can it be used in cold climates?
Use depends on lot-specific test results, drainage, fixing details and environmental exposure. No limestone should be described as frost-proof without appropriate testing.
