Frequently Asked Questions

Terminology and Specifications

  • Large lump lime — a maximum of eight inches in diameter.
  • Crushed or pebble lime — ranging from about ¼ to 2½ inches.
  • Ground lime — ¼ inches and smaller.
  • Pulverized lime — a typical size is substantially all passing a No. 20 sieve.
  • Pelletized lime – one-inch-sized pellets or briquettes, molded from fines.
  • Type N – normal hydrated lime
  • Type NA – normal air-entraining hydrated lime
  • Type S – special hydrated lime
  • Type SA – special air-entraining hydrated lime

Types S and SA are principally differentiated from Types N and NA by their unhydrated oxide content and their water retention value. Type S must meet a water retention value of 85%, while Type N hydrate lime must have a water retention value of 75%. No distinction is made based on the nature and source of limestone. The maximum air content of cement-lime mortar made with Types NA and SA is 14%; with Types N or S lime, 7%.

A:  No. The term agricultural lime, or “aglime,” usually refers to crushed limestone. Limestone (calcium carbonate) is not the same as hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide).

A:  ASTM has Standard Methods for testing chemical (C25) and physical (C110) properties. These standards can be purchased directly from ASTM at www.astm.org.

Handling and Transport

A: Contact your lime supplier for more specific technical assistance and advice on equipment vendors.

A:  Please see “Fact Sheet: Lime Safety Precautions.”

A:  Lime is generally not regulated as a hazardous chemical when transported. The one exception is airborne shipments of quicklime.  A fact sheet on the shipment of quicklime by air is available.

A:  A fact sheet on soil stabilization is available under Technical Information. NLA offers several free downloads on soil stabilization with lime.

A:  Yes, a fact sheet on using lime to dry up mud called “Lime Dries Up Mud” is available.

A:  Hydrated lime can be used to raise the pH of acidic soils. This is also referred to as soil “sweetening.” Hydrated lime is available from garden centers and should be applied in the amounts and using the procedures recommended on the packaging.

Lime Suppliers

A:  A list of U.S. and Canadian lime suppliers by state/province is available under Find a Lime Plant.

A:  We are aware of one company that makes food-grade lime: Mississippi Lime (www.mississippilime.com).

A:  Building lime can be obtained from Carmeuse, Graymont, Lhoist North America, and Mississippi Lime.

Other Topics

A:  NLA has no current publications that address whitewash. Other references include:

If you have a question concerning lime, please email us or contact us at (703) 243-5463 ext. 226.