The Dimension Stone Industry of Texas

MC0082. The Dimension Stone Industry of Texas, by L. E. Garner. 16 p., 15 figs., 1992. o purchase this publication as a downloadable PDF, please order MC0082D.


About This Publication
Dimension stone is a natural rock that is quarried for production of blocks, slabs, or other shapes in specific dimensions. Dimension stones produced in Texas include mainly granite and limestone and some sandstone and marble. Although the Texas dimension stone industry has been active since the late 1880's, Texas accounts for a relatively small part of the total dimension stone produced in the United States. Texas has increased its share of the U.S. market from less than 3 percent in the late 1970's to almost 7 percent in 1987. Statewide dimension stone production in 1987 totaled more than 75,000 short tons valued at about $10 million.

This circular analyzes the Texas dimension stone industry and illustrates its ability to compete on national and international levels. Dimension stone resources are evaluated on the basis of current market value and historical production and pricing trends. Finally, the economic importance of the Texas dimension stone industry is compared with that of national and foreign industries. The author concludes that if a reduction in imported dimension stone occurred, a substantial increase in U.S. production would result. In this event, effective marketing practices and modem production techniques could markedly increase dimension stone production in Texas.

Keywords: dimension stone, mineral resources, stone industry, Texas


Citation
Garner, L. E., 1992, The Dimension Stone Industry of Texas: The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology, Mineral Resource Circular No. 82, 16 p.