By Harvey Thorleifson, PhD
Professor and Director
University of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey

Minnesota geology is diverse and complex, and the striking and varied stone that is produced by our thriving stone industry is prized around the world.

The stones being carved by the Symposium sculptors represent three broad segments of geologic time: granite and gneiss -- more than 2.4 billion years old; iron formation, gabbro, and quartzite rocks -- 1 to 2. 4 billion years old; and limestone and dolomite –much younger sedimentary rocks. Click here to downlowd a .pdf of the full article

By Dennis Martin, Manager
Mineral Potential Section
Division of Lands and Minerals
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Due to its diverse geology, Minnesota is famous for beautiful and varied stone products used to construct buildings, memorials, landscapes, infrastructure…and art!

This stone industry is part of a world-class mineral industry that is making a large and essential contribution to Minnesota’s economy and way of life. Concurrently, thriving businesses in the mining services provide excavation, drilling, sawing, and polishing equipment, and transportation of products. Click here to downlowd a .pdf of the full article