Especially nowadays, we as consumers often have only a vague idea of how certain things are actually created or manufactured. We buy packaged food, ready-made clothes and complex smartphones that we just have to charge. Even in the context of natural stones, such as marble, the history of their creation and the manufacturing process are a mystery to many. How is such a wonderfully shiny piece of marble actually created?

In this article we would like to take you on a journey from the quarry to the designer dining table. 

The formation of natural stones 

Natural stones are one of the oldest and most versatile building materials used by humans since the beginning of time. Whether for the construction of pyramids, conventional buildings, sculptures or jewelry - natural stones have been sought after for thousands of years due to their uniqueness, durability and beauty. 

But how do these massive materials actually come from nature? In order to understand this a little better, we would first like to return to the origin, the creation of a natural stone.

The formation of natural stones is a complex process that takes place over millions to billions of years. To put it simply, natural stones are formed by the solidification of sediments, as a product of magmatic processes or through the metamorphism of pre-existing rocks.

Marble is an example of a natural stone that is formed through metamorphosis. Originally, the source rock for marble was limestone, which is converted into marble by enormous heat and pressure inside the earth. During this process, the minerals in the limestone are rearranged and form structures that give the marble its typical grain.

Quartzite, on the other hand, is formed by the solidification and heating of sandstone. Sand grains are pressed together by the pressure of the layers above and exposed to high temperatures until they fuse into quartz crystals that are translucent, such as in our Patagonia . The close connection of the crystals creates a very hard rock that is extremely resistant to wear.

Onyx, on the other hand, is an example of a stone that is formed by deposits (sediments). Onyx is formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from water flowing through layers of rock. Over long periods of time, these deposits become layered, creating the onyx we see today. The colors and patterns in onyx vary depending on the minerals and other elements involved in the formation. An impressive example of an onyx is our Green Onyx .

Overall, the formation of natural stones is a fascinating process that shows how nature works over millions of years to create these beautiful materials. Marble, quartzite and onyx are just a few examples of the variety of natural stones available to us. If you would like even more detailed information about onyx, marble or quartzite, we recommend reading our article “ Marble, quartzite and onyx ”. 

And how do you ultimately mine such colossal masses of natural stone?

In the quarry – mining natural stone 

Natural stones are mined in quarries that can be found in different mining regions around the world. Natural stones have been mined since ancient times, i.e. for thousands of years. 

How did the ancient Egyptians mine the natural stone for their pyramids?

Quarries in Ancient Egypt – The eternal mystery of “pyramid building”

The Ancient Egyptians are known for their impressive pyramids, especially the pyramids at Giza, which were built from natural stones such as granite, limestone and basalt. The quarrying of natural stone was crucial to the construction of these massive structures.

How the pyramids were built some 4,500 years ago remains largely a mystery. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians worked in the quarries of Aswan and Tura to extract natural stone. The workers, mostly slaves, used simple tools such as copper and bronze chisels to cut massive stones out of the rocks. These stone blocks were then loaded onto ships and transported down the Nile.

Some of the heavier stones, like the granite for the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Cheops, may have been transported on wooden sledges as they were too heavy to be transported by boat, the theory goes. The slaves may have pulled sleds over wet sand surfaces to minimize frictional resistance. One can only imagine how complex and draining these construction projects were.

The exact method of mining natural stone in ancient times is still not fully known. There are no written records detailing the specific details of the mining techniques. Although most of the information on which speculation is based comes from archaeological finds, they still remain just theories.

What is clear, however, is that quarrying natural stone must have been an incredibly laborious process for the Ancient Egyptians. It required skill, strength and endurance to remove the massive stones from the rocks and transport them. It is not for nothing that the pyramids are the only surviving wonder of the seven wonders of the ancient world and are still one of the largest man-made structures in the world today. The fact that the pyramids are still standing today and are so well preserved speaks for the longevity of natural stone as a building material.

By the way: If you like the earthy and natural tones of the Egyptian pyramids, you will certainly also be a fan of our Crema Marfil natural stone .

Today's quarrying methods

Nowadays Fortunately, there are many different methods of stone mining, which vary depending on the type of rock and geological conditions and are practiced under ethical principles.

One of the most common methods of stone mining is explosive mining. Explosives of various types are used to remove the rock from the rock. There are now also “silent” explosives that work on a chemical basis – the so-called swelling explosives. Natural stone mining is also possible without an explosion.

The exposed stones are finally cut even smaller using special machines and sorted. This method of quarrying is quick and effective, but also requires careful planning and execution to ensure that no damage is caused to the surrounding area (through noise or eruptions, for example). Not every quarry can work with every type of explosive. If e.g. B. If human settlements or certain animal species are located nearby, blasting with classic dynamite is often not permitted.

Another method is mining using mining machines that mechanically mine and break the rock. This method is often used for harder rock types such as granite or basalt. Again, careful planning and execution is required to ensure that the environment and the safety of workers are not compromised.

Regardless of the method of quarrying stone, quarries are now more environmentally friendly than ever before. Modern quarries use advanced technologies and strategies to minimize their impact on the environment. These include measures such as reforestation of cleared areas, erosion control, the use of solar-powered excavators and recycling water.

Modern quarries use advanced machinery and equipment to make work easier and minimize the ecological footprint. They rely on strict safety policies and training to ensure that all workers can work safely.

The final product – the processing of natural stone in the MAGNA studio

Natural stones such as marble, onyx and quartzite are wonderful natural materials for table tops due to their natural beauty, durability and sustainability . Consequently, we will look at the different steps and methods of how the raw natural stone is processed into a table top.

The production of natural stone table tops begins with the selection of the raw material. After the natural stones are mined in the quarries and then cut into blocks, they are transported to our warehouses for further processing. There, the blocks are cut into thin plates, which are suitable for use in various applications, such as: B. make it suitable for table tops.

Once the former block has been cut into thinner natural stone slabs, also called "slabs", the cutting continues with the water jet. Once the plate has been cut to the correct dimensions, the plate is now polished. This involves grinding and polishing the surface of the natural stone using diamond tools to create a smooth and to achieve a shiny finish. Depending on how many times the plate has been polished, different finishes can be achieved, ranging from matte to satin to high gloss. There is also the option of grinding special edge profilesto create a special aesthetic.

Another method of processing natural stone is cutting slabs into smaller pieces, which are then joined together to form a table top - this is called the mosaic technique. This technique creates interesting patterns and designs.

And why is natural stone such an environmentally friendly product?

Why natural stones are sustainable

Natural stones are a particularly environmentally friendly material because they are made from natural resources and no energy is required to process them. They are a renewable material mined from the earth and there are no harmful emissions or waste created in the production of natural stone products.

Natural stones are also durable and can last for centuries, if not thousands of years. Natural stones are a material that gains character and retains its value over time.

Another factor that makes natural stones an environmentally friendly material is the possibility of recycling them. After a natural stone table top has reached its useful life, it can be recycled and reused as material for other projects. If a table goes out of fashion, a table with a natural stone top does not have to be thrown away, but can be made modern again with a new frame, keyword “upcycling”.

Overall, natural stone table tops are a great choice for those looking for durable, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly furniture for their home. The unique pieces from the MAGNA studio are heirloom quality and are manufactured locally. We also offset the CO₂ emissions of every order with our partner Greenspark .

Natural stones are an excellent way to enhance the atmosphere of your living space without harming the environment or contributing to mass consumption. 

Discover all our unique pieces made from real natural stone or have your very own vision of a table made to order .