![Cut blocks of raw limestone ready for processing at the quarry](http://static.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/images/000/000/492/full/Oamaru-stone20151103-6612-1k0wkhy.jpg?1674164387)
Some of New Zealand’s most important historic buildings have been built using Oamaru stone. The limestone deposit found near Oamaru is a 40-metre thick layer of pure bryozoan limestone. It is fine grained, strong and durable, even textured and readily cut and shaped.