Natural Stone Mining in the U.S.: Granite, Marble, and Quartzite – A Journey Through the Centuries

Introduction

When you look at your countertop made of granite, marble or other natural stone, do you wonder how far that stone has traveled to become part of your home? Despite being a relatively young nation, our country is rich in natural stone deposits. More than just decorative elements in homes and cityscapes, granite, marble, and quartzite also reflect the history, culture and technological development of the country.

Let's take a look behind the scenes at the world of stone quarrying: learn how stone became part of American identity, where the most valuable deposits are located, and what modern technology is doing to make the process efficient and environmentally friendly.

Stone with History: A Journey of Centuries

Stone quarrying in the United States dates back to the 18th century, when settlers discovered rich deposits of granite and marble on the East Coast. At that time, it was a labor-intensive craft, depending on the strength of human hands and the simplest tools.

XVIII century: the first steps

Stone quarrying in the United States, 18th century. Workers with hand tools, wooden systems for moving stone blocks

One of the first large-scale mining sites was Vermont, where deposits of the purest white marble were found. This stone was used to build monuments, government buildings and even exported to Europe. 

Interesting fact 

The famous marble used in the construction of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., was quarried in Vermont.

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., USA

XIX century: industrialization of mining

Stone mining in the United States, 19th century. Industrialized methods, such as steam drills and mechanical saws, were introduced into the process

With the invention of new tools and mechanical saws in the nineteenth century, mining became more extensive. New Hampshire, became a major supplier of this durable material for the construction of roads, bridges, and town buildings. 

Interesting fact

New Hampshire is unofficially called the “granite state” because of the richness of this material. Granite has been mined here for more than 200 years.

Around the same time, South Dakota’s first quartzite quarries began operation.

The 20th century: The heyday of the stone industry

Stone mining in the United States, 20th century. The industry has reached its heyday thanks to modern technology and equipment

By the 20th century, we had become one of the world's leading producers of natural stone. Stone was used not only in construction but also in interior design, which led to the emergence of major companies such as Polycor and Coldspring.

Interesting fact

One of the most famous marble monuments, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was built with marble from Georgia. The stone was shipped in by railroad that was specially laid for the project.

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., USA

Where stone comes from: The U.S. deposits

Our lands are rich with vast reserves of natural stone. Here are the regions where three key materials are mined and what makes them special.

Granite

Major deposits: 

New Hampshire, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas.

Stone features:

• Granite from New Hampshire is known for its gray hue and durability.
• Texas mines a unique pink granite that is used for monuments and large architectural projects.

Marble

Major deposits: 

Vermont, Georgia, Colorado.

Stone features:

• Marble from Vermont is characterized by its pure white color and is used extensively for monuments and high-end interiors.
• Colorado mines the bright white marble used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington, Virginia

Interesting fact

The town of Marble, Colorado was named after its rich deposits of marble. It was once home to the largest marble quarry in the world.

Marble Quarries in Colorado, USA

Quartzite

Major deposits:

South Dakota, Montana.

Stone Features:

• South Dakota is known for its “golden quartzite” with a warm, yellow-pink hue.
• Quartzite from Montana is considered one of the most durable natural materials.

Interesting fact

Quartzite is often confused with marble because of its similar texture, but it is much harder and more scratch resistant.

Extraction techniques: How it’s done today?

Modern stone quarrying combines advanced technology, environmental responsibility, and precision. Today, U.S. quarries operate as highly automated facilities, where every step—from locating stone deposits to transporting the final product—is designed for maximum efficiency and minimal waste.

1. Mine Exploration: The Science at Work

Before mining begins, modern geological exploration techniques are used to assess the site:

• GPR: Scans underground layers to analyze the size, density, and composition of stone deposits

• Drone: Generate high-resolution 3D terrain maps to optimize excavation planning and site assessment.

• Software modeling: allows you to predict extraction volumes and assess stone quality before work begins.

Example: In South Dakota, quartzite quarries are using drones to map areas, reducing site survey time by 30%.

2. Sawing and stone extraction: lasers and wire saws

Traditional blasting methods have become less common due to their impact on both the stone and the environment. Modern mining now prioritizes blast-free techniques for safer and more sustainable extraction:

• Diamond wire ropes and wire saws cut through massive stone blocks with millimeter precision, ensuring structural integrity is preserved.

• Hydraulic wedges: Separates stone masses without compromising their integrity.

Example: Vermont quarries use diamond-coated wire saws to extract marble, which increases extraction efficiency by 25% and minimizes waste.

3. Processing and transportation: one step ahead

Once the blocks are extracted, processing and transportation come to the fore.

• Automated cranes and conveyors: move giant blocks weighing tens of tons.
• Stone processing robots: turn the extracted blocks into finished products such as floor slabs, countertops and cladding.
• Green transportation: electric cars and rail networks with low CO₂ emissions.

Example: Factories in Texas are equipped with robotic machines that can polish up to 20 slabs at a time, cutting processing time in half.

What about the environment?

Modern mining technologies take environmental risks into account:

Waste disposal: even small debris is recycled for use in road construction and landscaping.

Restoration of quarries: after mining is completed, the areas are filled with soil and planted with vegetation.

Reducing emissions: modern quarries are equipped with air purification systems and the equipment is powered by electricity or bioenergy.

Example: Colorado quarries invest about $1 million annually in environmental remediation projects.

Interesting fact

Some quarries, such as the famous Danby in Vermont, use closed-loop water technology. The water used in stone cutting is filtered and returned to the system, reducing resource consumption by 80%.

Technological advancements have made stone quarrying more efficient while significantly reducing its environmental impact. Modern methods show that efficiency and sustainability can work together.

Stone business: Facts, figures, examples

Natural stone mining in the United States is not just an industry, but a multi-billion dollar business that spans both domestic and international markets. In 2023, the total volume of stone mining in our country was about 1.5 million tons and the industry revenue exceeded $8 billion.

Major market players

Some of the companies that hold leading positions in stone mining and processing include:

1. Polycor - A Canadian company with large quarries in the US (Vermont, Georgia).
   • Main focus on marble and granite for architectural projects.
   • The company had revenues of $550 million in 2024.
2. Coldspring - Specializes in granite (Minnesota).
   • Its primary customer segment is monument and building materials.
   • In 2024, the company mined more than 400,000 tons of granite.
3. Granite Mountain Quarries - Largest quartzite producer in the United States (South Dakota)
   • 30% of production is exported to Asia and Europe.

Exports and domestic market

• Exports: about 30% of our quarried stone goes to international markets, bringing us $1.8 billion annually. The main buyers are Canada (40%), Europe (30%) and Asia (20%).
• Domestic demand: primarily construction projects (60%), furniture and interiors (25%), and monuments (15%).

The first diagram shows the share of natural stone production by species in the U.S., the second diagram illustrates the share of exports of total production, and the third shows the share of countries where natural stone goes for export

The diagrams show:

1. It can be seen that granite dominates in production volumes - 50% of the total production.
2. The export share of marble and quartzite is much lower than that of granite, which is due to the high domestic demand for these materials.

These data emphasize the strategic importance of natural stone for the economy of our country. 

Industry outlook: Trends in demand for natural stone in construction and design

Interest in natural stones has continued to grow over the past few years, and there are several reasons for this:

1. Eco-friendliness

One of the most established trends in recent years has been concern for the environment. More and more people are choosing natural materials such as granite, marble and quartzite because they are not only beautiful but also durable. 

Stone lasts for decades and does not require frequent replacement, making it a good choice for those who want to minimize their impact on nature.

2. Uniqueness and style

Natural stone continues to be a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. In recent years, people are increasingly seeking for materials with unique textures and natural patterns. Each piece of stone is a kind of work of art that gives the interior a unique style. 

Granite, marble and quartzite can offer a huge variety of colors and patterns, which allows designers to create unique and stylish projects.

3. Stone in the kitchen and bathroom

Granite and quartzite are especially popular in kitchen and bathroom interiors. These materials are resistant to damage, easy to clean, and look great on countertops and as a covering for kitchen islands. Marble is also used in such areas, adding elegance to the interior. 

An interesting solution is the combination of different types of stone, which helps to create stylish contrasts and original textures.

4. New technologies of stone processing

Modern technologies open up new opportunities for using natural stone in design. Laser cutting and 3D printing make it possible to create complex shapes that were previously difficult to imagine. This helps designers to realize the most daring ideas, such as stone panels on the walls, decorative elements and even furniture made of stone. Stone becomes not just a building material, but also an important element of decoration.

Conclusion

Natural stone mining in the United States is not just a business. It is history, technology, and a contribution to world architecture. Each stone, whether it is a marble column or a granite monument, carries the labor, expertise, and beauty of nature.

Today, the industry continues to grow strongly, offering the world quality materials for construction and design.

If you are looking for granite, marble or quartzite for your project, look to domestic suppliers. Their products combine high quality, durability and respect for the environment.