Alexandra Stone Quarries specialising in the quarrying of schist since 1975
Who we are
Alexandra Stone is a family-owned and operated business located in Alexandra, Central Otago, New Zealand. It was founded in 1975 by Bill Grant, who was a stonemason, Central Otago Wine Pioneer, and the company's founder. In 1996, Bill's son, Dave Grant, who graduated from Otago University with a Mining Engineering degree (BMinTech (Hons)) and had a successful career in the Australian mining industry, took over the company. Dave is also qualified as an A Grade Quarry Manager COC and has an explosives license. Suzanne, Dave's wife, manages Alexandra Stone's sales and marketing. Together, Dave and Suzanne have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge and experience in schist that they are delighted to share with their valued customers.
History of the area
From the 1800s onwards, schist stone was the primary building material in Central Otago, thanks to its widespread availability and ease of quarrying from natural outcrops throughout the region. However, most pioneers in the Gold Rush did not appreciate the aesthetic attributes of schist as a building material.
In 1880, Andrew Mitchell constructed Mitchells Cottage using local Fruitlands Stone. Mitchell, who had learned his stone masonry skills from his father in the Shetland Islands, also built numerous other miner's cottages and paddock dividing walls that are still in use throughout Fruitlands today. Mitchells Cottage is an outstanding example of craftsmanship.
The exceptional quality of stone used in Mitchell's cottage prompted Alexandra Stone to establish our Fruitlands Quarry, located within sight of Mitchell's Cottage. The stone that enabled Andrew Mitchell to successfully build his structures and walls is now available for your building projects.
Vision
Empowering architects, designers, builders, and homeowners to create timeless and stunningly beautiful spaces with the elegance and authenticity of schist stone veneer, while delivering exceptional customer service and sustainable solutions for a better world.
Mission
Transforming spaces with the natural beauty and durability of schist stone veneer - one project at a time.
