Cement materials, 1963. Artist: Michael Walters

Cement materials, 1963. Lime and silica make up about 85% of the mass of cement and requires around 80 different operations requiring a large amount of heat and energy. Probably the best known cement in the UK is Portland cement, which was invented by a British stonemason in 1824, and was named for its resemblance to a type of limestone found in Dorset's Isle of Portland. As the lime content is caustic, it would be advisable not to hold it in your hands for too long as shown in the photograph. (Photo by Paul Walters Worldwide Photography Ltd./Heritage Images/Getty Images)