Sorptivity data are reported for the capillary absorption of water, ethanol, propan-2-ol, and n-heptane by the calcitic limestone Lepine (Lavoux a grain). The data confirm that the water sorptivity is anomalously low, an indication of partial wetting by water. Results are expressed in terms of a wetting index. The water sorptivity increases after heat treatment and chemical oxidation by hydrogen peroxide bleaching, while the sorptivity with organic liquids is unchanged. These treatments, therefore, increase the water wetting index. The results provide strong evidence that the presence of a natural organic adlayer is responsible for the anomalously low water sorptivity of this particular limestone. This natural water repellency effect may be exploited in developing chemical treatments to modify the water transport properties of stone. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.