The most famous quarries in the world
Natural stone has been a symbol of durability and beauty for thousands of years. From the pyramids in Egypt to modern art and furniture, natural stone has accompanied and inspired humanity.
In this article we take a look at some of the most famous natural stones and their places of origin - impressive quarries. For the MAGNA Atelier, which specializes in sustainable and locally produced natural stone tables, it is particularly important to know the history and meaning of these materials and we would like to share this with our customers.
1. Carrara marble, Italy
Carrara marble is undoubtedly one of the most famous natural stones in the world. This noble white marble has been mined in the quarries of Carrara in Tuscany since Roman times.
Michelangelo created his famous statue of David from Carrara marble, and many buildings and sculptures in Europe are also made from this fine material.
Carrara marble impresses with its pure white color with gray veins and is valued for its aesthetic properties and robustness.
2. Granite from Mount Airy Quarry, USA
Mount Airy, North Carolina, is home to the largest open granite quarry in the world.
The “Mount Airy White” granite is known for its uniform structure and its light, gray-white color. This granite is used worldwide for construction projects, monuments and sculptures.
What is particularly impressive is the size of the quarry, which is described as “the largest granite bowl in the world”.
3. Makrana Marble, India
Makrana marble from Rajasthan in India is famous for being the material of the Taj Mahal. This marble is characterized by its purity and white shine.
This noble marble has been mined in the quarries of Makrana for more than 2,500 years. This natural stone is not only a symbol of beauty but also of Indian craftsmanship and cultural heritage of India.
4. Travertine from Tivoli, Italy
Travertine from Tivoli, near Rome, is another famous natural stone that has been used since Roman times. This stone has a warm, beige color and was used in the construction of numerous historic buildings such as the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica.
Travertine is known for its porous structure and versatility of use. Its porous surface gives it a natural texture that is appreciated in both traditional and modern designs.
In addition to its use in monumental structures, travertine is also used indoors, in floor coverings and facade cladding, highlighting its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Today, Roman travertine is valued for its sustainability and natural beauty and continues to be used in projects around the world.
Sustainability and local production at MAGNA Atelier
The MAGNA Atelier attaches great importance to sustainability and local production. The conscious use of resources and the promotion of local quarries are the focus, but natural stones from distant countries can also be sustainable under the right conditions. Because: Natural stones do not require any energy to be processed, unlike many other materials such as plastic, wood or concrete.
If these stones are mined under fair working conditions and using environmentally friendly mining methods, they contribute to the responsible use of natural resources.
Natural stones are also extremely durable materials and consciously represent an alternative to mass consumption and the throwaway society because they retain their function and beauty over several generations. It's not that easy to throw a heavy natural stone slab in the trash, right?
Transport is also increasingly being carried out in more efficient and environmentally friendly ways, minimizing the carbon footprint. MAGNA Atelier relies on such sustainable practices, combines them with local production and creates timeless, long-lasting furniture pieces that are both ecologically and socially responsible. In addition, we offset every order with our partner Greenspark by planting a tree and removing 2-3 plastic bottles from the sea per order.
An important aspect of our sustainable production is the efficient use of the material. MAGNA Atelier relies on the latest technology to minimize waste and extract as much as possible from each block of stone.
Special natural stones in the MAGNA studio
The most famous natural stones and their quarries tell stories of craftsmanship, cultural heritage and natural beauty. From the white marble mountains of Carrara to the vast granite quarries of Mount Airy, these materials bear witness to human civilization and progress.
For companies like us, MAGNA Atelier, who are committed to sustainability, it is important to honor these stories while finding innovative ways to use natural stone in an environmentally friendly and local way.
This not only creates unique pieces of furniture, but also a more conscious approach to the treasures of our earth.
Browse through our range of sustainable and locally produced unique pieces made from natural stone. You can choose the natural stone as you wish!
