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Natural cements are hydraulic cements produced by mining
natural deposits of limestone and clay with specific chemical composition within a narrow range. When heated in a kiln, and ground to a
fine powder, this type of cement is produced, that, like Portland
cement, sets and hardens when mixed with water through chemical reactions.
Strength and uniformity of natural cements are
lower than those for Portland cements, but these are much more accurate materials for use on many historic
restoration projects, which is their primary application.
Natural cements were extensively used in
19th and early 20th century construction in U.S, and many historic structures
were built with these materials. However, with improved technology for
producing portland
cements, sales of natural cements began to decline in the late 1800s, stopping
entirely by the mid-1970s.
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