🪨 Yule Marble – The Official State Rock of Colorado

By Open Road Colorado | Colorado History & Fun Facts
Updated April 2025 | Great for Students, Educators, and Travelers

⛰️ What Is Yule Marble?

Yule Marble is a brilliant white metamorphosed limestone found only in the Yule Creek Valley near Marble, Colorado, at an elevation of over 7,990 feet in the Elk Mountains. It’s world-famous for its exceptional strength, fine grain, and pure color—qualities that make it one of the most prized marbles on Earth.

This rare marble formed over 300 million years ago, later transformed by tectonic pressure and heat. Because of its remote location and geological rarity, Yule Marble has a unique legacy both in Colorado and across the United States.

⛏️ When Was Yule Marble Discovered?

Yule Marble was discovered in 1873 during geological surveys in the Rockies, but serious quarrying didn’t begin until the late 1880s. By the early 1900s, it was already being used for some of the most important buildings and monuments in American history.

🇺🇸 Yule Marble in U.S. Monuments

You’ve probably seen Yule Marble—even if you didn’t know it. This stone was selected for use in:

• Lincoln Memorial (Washington, D.C.)
• Washington Monument (D.C.)
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Arlington National Cemetery)
• National Archives Building (D.C.)
• Colorado State Capitol (Denver)
• U.S. Air Force Academy Walkways (Colorado Springs)

Its beauty, durability, and luminous finish made it the top choice for national monuments, statues, and government buildings.

💰 How Much Is Yule Marble Worth?

Due to its limited supply and prestigious history, Yule Marble is very expensive. Pricing varies based on the block size, cut, and finish, but here’s a general range:

• Raw Block (per ton): $2,000–$3,000+
• Finished Tile/Slab: $30–$100 per square foot
• Sculpture-Grade Marble: Thousands of dollars per piece

Because it’s mined in such small quantities and reserved for high-end projects, Yule Marble is typically used for public architecture, military memorials, and custom sculpture.

❌ Can You Pick Up Yule Marble?

No. It is illegal to remove or collect even small fragments of Yule Marble from public lands around the Yule Creek Valley or from the quarry site. The marble is protected due to:

• Its state rock designation
• Its historic and geological significance
• Ongoing private mining operations

Violators can face fines or prosecution under state and federal laws.

🏗️ Is Yule Marble Still Mined Today?

Yes! Yule Marble is still actively mined at the Colorado Yule Marble Quarry, operated by Colorado Stone Quarries. However, it’s a limited operation under strict environmental controls, and only small amounts are extracted each year.

🔐 Who Owns the Yule Marble Quarry & How Did They Buy It?

The Yule Marble Quarry is currently owned and operated by Colorado Stone Quarries, Inc., a subsidiary of the Italian company R.E.D. Graniti Group. Based in Carrara, Italy—a region famous for its own marble—R.E.D. Graniti purchased the quarry in the early 2000s after it had gone through multiple closures and ownership changes over the decades.

They acquired the site to revive the production of Colorado’s world-renowned white marble and to supply premium stone to luxury projects worldwide. The company invested in modern mining technology, safety improvements, and environmental restoration to reopen and expand operations responsibly.

Today, the quarry continues to export Yule Marble across the globe for monuments, government buildings, and elite architectural projects, while remaining a vital part of Colorado’s mining heritage.

🌍 Is Yule Marble Found Anywhere Else in the World?

No. True Yule Marble is found only in the Yule Creek Valley near Marble, Colorado. While other white marbles exist (like Carrara Marble in Italy), none match the specific grain, brightness, and purity of Yule Marble.

📜 Why Yule Marble Is Colorado’s State Rock

In 2004, Colorado officially designated Yule Marble as the State Rock because of its:

• Geological uniqueness
• National historic significance
• Economic importance to Colorado’s mining history
• Educational value in science and geology

📍 Where to See Yule Marble in Colorado

• Colorado State Capitol (Denver) – Interior columns and flooring
• U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs) – Outdoor walkways
• Marble, Colorado – Interpretive signage and historic town info

🧠 Fun Facts About Yule Marble

• It’s nearly 99% pure calcite, giving it a luminous glow
• It’s mined at nearly 8,000 ft elevation
• Giant blocks can weigh over 50 tons
• Sculptors love it for its fine grain and workability
• It was featured in a PBS documentary titled The Marble Tomb

📚 Common Student Questions

Can I visit the quarry?
Not typically. It’s private property, but the town of Marble has public displays and history exhibits.

Why is it called “Yule” Marble?
It’s named after Yule Creek, which runs through the valley where the marble is found.

How was it transported to D.C.?
Massive blocks were shipped by rail and horse-drawn carts in the early 1900s!

What makes it different from Italian marble?
Yule Marble has a brighter white tone and finer grain than Carrara marble, making it ideal for American monuments.