When it comes to home projects—remodel or new construction—more and more people are considering the origin of the natural stone they use. Homeowners find that geographically appropriate stone can be a great conversation starter and a source of pride in their Maine homes.
Whether you’re interested in supporting small, local businesses or in reflecting the location of your home by what building materials you choose, there are Maine-sourced natural stone options available.
Granite has a long history in Maine. Our state ranked first in granite production in the United States in the early 1900s. Today, several Maine quarries produce granite slabs, each yielding its own unique variety. Extremely durable and stain-, etch- and heat- resistant, granite comes in a variety of colors and textures making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.
At Morningstar Stone and Tile, we offer four types of locally quarried Maine granite:
Freshwater Pearl granite
Exceptionally durable, Freshwater Pearl granite is quarried on Mosquito Mountain in Frankfort, Maine. The swirl and variation of subtle grays in Freshwater Pearl’s composition is visually pleasing. It performs very well under natural weathering conditions, making its beauty extremely long lasting.
Deer Isle granite
Deer Isle granite, named after the island in Maine’s Penobscot Bay, is actually from nearby Crotch Island off the southern tip of Deer Isle. This natural stone ranges in color from mauve to gray and cream, and has a medium to coarse grain and almost “speckled” appearance. The distinctive pink-hued granite was used in the construction of such notable 20th Century structures as Rockefeller Center and the John F. Kennedy Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.
Cherry Fields granite
Quarried in Jonesboro (Washington County), where the Chandler Bay meets the Englishman Bay near Roque Bluffs off the coast of Maine, Cherry Fields granite features a gorgeous array of colors often compared to the color of Maine blueberry fields in autumn. Under LEED certification for homes standards, Cherry Fields is recognized for its heat island reduction ability because of its solar reflectivity. This Downeast Maine stone is as durable as it is a classic beauty.
North Jay White granite
White granite from Jay, Maine, has been used in buildings and projects across the nation, including Portland City Hall and General Grant National Memorial. Its clean, homogeneous look, good structure, and excellent durability in addition to its local historical value makes North Jay White granite a reliable home investment in terms of longevity and resale value.
Interested in using locally sourced natural stone for your next home project? Wondering what type of stone is right for you when it comes to usage, appearance and longevity? Give us a call or shoot us an email and we’d be happy to walk you through your options.