Ever wonder where your marble or granite countertops came from? We have the answers. It’s more interesting than you may think.
Both of these natural stones are largely quarried in Brazil and Italy, but were you aware that the United States is a leading producer of granite and marble too? In fact, in 2016 alone, more than 580,000 tons of granite and 55,000 tons of marble were produced in quarries across the country. Take Danby Marble Quarry in Vermont, for example, which has been producing marble for more than a century.
This marble has been used in the creation of some of the country’s most iconic monuments, from the Jefferson Memorial to the Supreme Court.
Where is Granite Found in the United States?
Granite is found mainly in Texas, Massachusetts, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Georgia, as these are the top producers of granite in the U.S., accounting for 64 percent of the country’s production. In 2016, natural stone was produced at 276 quarries within 34 states.
The largest open-face granite quarry on the planet can be found at Mount Airy, North Carolina, known locally as “The Granite City.” The North Carolina Granite Corporation was established in 1743, and has been harvesting stone there for more than 150 years.
In 1875, a marble quarry was discovered in the Colorado Rockies at 9,300 feet above sea level. This marble, known as Calacatta Lincoln, was used to build the Lincoln Memorial.
Top Producers
The United States happens to be the world’s top consumer of dimension stone, which is basically natural stone that has been selected and finished to specific shapes or sizes. It was also ranked 18th in the world for granite and marble production, behind top-producing countries such as China, India, and Turkey.
Still, the U.S. imports nearly 90 percent of all the granite and marble used in residential construction. Why? Price is the driving factor, plus the fact that the U.S. does not have the infrastructure to meet the high level of demand.
Additionally, most of the granite quarried in this country is a plain gray color, better suited for use in structures or as paving materials. Many homeowners don’t want this plain color and lack of variation to be used in their kitchens and bathrooms.
However, there are still ways you can support your local businesses, since smaller local companies offer granite and marble countertop fabrication and installation. There are many beautiful patterns and colors to choose from, from dusty black backgrounds with gray swirls to black backgrounds peppered with mahogany, burgundy, and gray.
Many consumers are simply not aware of the abundance of the products being offered right around the corner. For that, turn to Granite Guy for the highest quality granites and marbles for your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Get in touch with Granite Guy today at 508-460-7900 to learn more.