Lioz (Portuguese:pedra lioz), also known asRoyal Stone (pedra real), is a type oflimestone, originating inPortugal, from theLisbon region.^[1][2] It is famed for its use as anornamental stone, resulting in its proliferation inpalaces,cathedrals, and important civic buildings throughout Portugal and the formerPortuguese Empire. Owing to its historical relevance, lioz was designated aGlobal Heritage Stone Resource.

Lioz stone containsrudist fossils dating back 120 million years. Its color is generally ivory but varies from light grey to whitish and rosy. This type of limestone is used as a decorative construction material because of its fossiliferous composition.^[1][3]

During the XVII–XVIII centuries lioz was widely used in churches, monuments and official buildings inPortugal, as well as some Portuguese colonies (Salvador,Bahia,Brazil),^[2] therefore, it was also called “royal stone”.^[1] Lioz stone has been designated by theInternational Union of Geological Sciences as aGlobal Heritage Stone Resource.^[4]

Monuments made of lioz include:^[1][2]

Portugal:

• Jeronimos Monastery
• Belém Tower
• Belém Cultural Centre
• Rossio Station
• Mafra Palace

Brazil:

• Cathedral of Salvador
• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

• Limestone

• Limestone
• Architecture in Portugal
• Geology of Portugal
• Building materials

• Articles containing Portuguese-language text