“Farm-to-table” is a phrase that’s become engrained in our vernacular. It’s a term we use to describe the concept of eating local—or at least being able to trace the route our food has taken before it makes it to our fork. Did you know that it’s possible to similarly trace the natural stone used for your countertops? There are some fantastic choices for “local” natural stone that let you track it from “Quarry-to-countertop.”

In fact, some of our most popular marble selections here at Marble & Granite, Inc.come from our neighbor to the north, Vermont. You may be surprised to learn that the first marble quarry in America was in Vermont. It began on Mount Aeoleus in Bennington County. The mountain summit was named after Aeolus, the Greek god of the wind. Vermont’s natural stone industry attracted an abundance of skilled stonecutters in the late 19^th century from Italy, Scotland, and Ireland.

Moving a block of Danby Marble at the Vermont Quarry

The famous Danby Marble Quarry in the Dorset Mountain in Vermont has produced breathtaking marble for more than 100 years. (It’s the very stone that went into building the Jefferson Memorial.) The Danby quarry is the largest underground marble quarry in the world. From deep within its twisting and turning mile-and-a-half deep veins, we get some pretty striking stone. Here are a few examples:

Eureka Danby Marble

Imperial Danby Marble

Olympian Danby Marble

Royal Danby Marble

Today, the Vermont Danby Quarry is operated under Vermont Quarries Corporation. Amazingly, from the outside of the Dorset Mountain, the quarry looks the same as it did a century ago. There remains plenty of this beautiful stone and the future of the quarry remains very promising.

If you’re considering Danby Marble, there are a few things you should know. Most importantly, there are many different types of Danby Marble. And depending on the type, the prices can vary—sometimes drastically. Royal Danby is the most commonly found Danby. Therefore, it’s typically the least expensive version. Imperial Danby on the other hand, is the most rare. Expect to pay more for this type.

Olympian Danby, for example, is quarried on the top floor of the quarry. The others (Imperial, Olympian, and Eureka) come from inside the quarry. Their veining determines the name and pricing. Be sure to clarify and ask any questions if you’re not exactly sure what type of Danby you’re dealing with.

Come by one of our two Marble & Granite, Inc. locations Westwood, Massachusetts and Milford,Connecticut to see this prestigious marble in person. With its beauty and durability, Danby Marble is suited for everything from kitchen countertops to internationally recognized monuments. The possibilities are endless!