Holistic approach of pre-existing flaws on the decay of two limestones

► Understanding the microfacies influence on the weathering behavior of limestones. ► A combination of X-ray CT, SEM and thin section microscopy was used. ► Gypsum crystallization depends on the pore size distribution and reactive surface. ► Orbitolites complanatus are pre-existing flaws in the Noyant stone.