The G12-8 block was created prior to the Landscape block.  It was created by a professional modular wall installer who had used and was familiar with all the segmental wall systems at the time.  All were heavy and cumbersome utilizing varying forms of connection, most of which have been proven unnecessary for significant  block to block/grid interlock.  It seemed so simple to eliminate material with a large core thus reducing material cost and weight.  This also played a factor with logistics.  At the time, this block was the least-heavy among the full-size modular retaining wall units at a relatively light weight of 80 lbs!  With no pins, lips, or lugs, the GeoStone block was the first of its kind and testing showed it to have "off the charts" connection strength.  The GeoStone Standard block is still the lightest and most competitively priced of the commercial units.  It has dominated in markets of availability as the number one choice for professional installers and manufacturers.