About Our Quarry Process

quarry process

Historic central Texas limestone quarry re-opens

A historic limestone quarry in central Texas, which boasts a remarkable legacy, reopened its doors in 2009. Distinguished by both its rich history and the exceptional quality of its raw materials, this quarry has played a vital role in adorning esteemed structures, including the University of Texas campus, the restoration of the American Academy of Motion Pictures, and the George W. Bush Library.
 
The key to its prominence lies in the quarry’s consistent and abundant limestone deposits, ideal for crafting substantial elements like large panel sizes, columns, balustrades, and surrounds. Notably, the quarry has embraced a groundbreaking addition to the natural stone quarry and fabrication industry: the ANSI/373 NSI Sustainable Certification. The Cordova Cream and Cordova Shell Limestone quarry has achieved the coveted Sustainable GOLD certification as a third-party verified quarrier. This prestigious certification encompasses various facets, such as Social Responsibility, Energy and Water conservation metrics, and Site Management, among others.
Cordova Cream and shell elook bookcordova cream and cordvoa shell specifications

With this achievement, Continental Cream Quarries joins the select few quarries recognized for producing Cream and Shell limestone that meet the rigorous NSI standards. Our portfolio also includes top-tier limestone quarries that yield Lueders Limestone in Lueders, Texas, offering the building industry an expanded array of resources for their upcoming Cut Limestone projects.

Cordova Cream Quarry AWARDED ANSI/NSI 373 Gold Sustainability Certification
 
INSITU: Origin of the limestone has not been disturbed. The stone is extracted from its original position.
 
Outcome: Cordova Cream and Shell Block extraction uses the least amount of energy (no blasting) while not disturbing the integrity of the natural stone.
 
Once the raw block has been separated, we use “feather and wedges” technique to break the large raw block into manageable sizes for transportation to the fabricator.
 
Continental Cut Stone Fabrication Mill has a team of employees who together offer Architects, Designers, Contractors and owners the ability to see their concept come to life.
 

Quarry Operation

In 2009 we reopened the 70-year-old Texas Armadillo Quarry, operating as Continental Cream Quarries, LLC, quarrying both “Cordova” Cream and Texas “Cordova” Shell Stone.

We also operate a Lueders Limestone Quarry (Continental Quarries, Inc.) and have Lueders products available from this operation.

Owning and operating these quarries allows us the ability to control the quality and cost of these materials in our projects.