After uncovering the suitable layers,

bigger plate-pieces are ushered out by lever and pointed-chop.

 

Then, the packet is split into single plates layer by layer.

The experienced quarrymen separate the plates suitable for further

process with high quantity of lime from the useless ones which include clay.

 

Afterwards, every single plate is examined for hidden cracks by beating it

with a small hammer.

 

Useless material is brought to the slag heap.

 

Only about 20- 25% of the dismantled stone pass the strict quality control

of the quarry master.

Still in the quarry, the plates are reduced to normalized measures

with special hammers and scales.

 

These rawly asserted plates then come to the sawry and grindery,

where they are ennobled to a high-quality natural stone.

 

 

 

Pictures on the left side:

Quarrying the Solnhofen Natural Stone - Pictures from 1960