According to the report prepared by IGEME (Export Promotion Center of Turkey), Turkey's annual block production amounts to about 550.000 tons and the total slab production capacity of processing plants are around 6 million sqm and Turkey has the richest marble beds of the world, with the probable marble reserve of 5.1 billion m3.

Natural Stones Production in Turkey
Turkey located on the Alpin belt which has the richest marble beds of the world has a probable marble reserve of 5.1 billion m3-13.9 billion tons. In addition to these reserves Turkey is among the most important producers of natural stones with its increasing industry and the technology it uses in the production.

The important reserves have spread over a wide area along Anatolia and Trachia. Afyon, Balikesir, Denizli, Tokat, Mugla and Çanakkale are the cities where the reserves are densely found. Marble reserves with more than 80 different kinds of structure and more than 120 different colors and patterns have been detected. Among the most well-known marble kinds are Süpren, Elazig Sour-cherry, Aksehir Black, Manyas White, Bilecik Beige, Tiger's Skin, Denizli Travertine, Ege Crimson, Milas Lilac, Gemlik Diyabaz, Afyon Candy.

The natural stone industry contributes to Turkey's economy in great numbers due to its export potential, domestic market consumption, production and export of natural stone processing machines.

More than 500 quarries, over 800 factories and about 1000 small plants operate in the industry. 90 % of the quarries are densely found in western Anatolia, Agean and Marmara regions. 27% of the quarries are found in Balikesir, 24% in Afyon, 12% in Bilecik, 8% in Denizli, 6% in Mugla, and 4% in Eskisehir. The production volume in these regions constitutes the 65% of the total production. 75-80% of the natural stones quarried are processed and turned into products with high added value.

Turkey's marble production has increased in great number in recent years. A large scale growth has taken place in the processed marble production due to the fact that those integrated production plants started operating as a result of the investments made by large companies in recent times. Turkey has become one of the 7 largest natural stone producers of the world.

Almost all of the production is realized by the private sector. Turkey's annual block production amouts to about 550.000 tons and the total slab production capacity of processing plants are around 6 million sqm. In 2001, marble production stood at 461.000 m3 while in 2002 it was around 558.000 m3. In 2003 the production volume incresased by 25% to 700.000 m3.

Granite is the second most important natural stone after the marble in this goup. Granite that has an acidic composition are found in various tons of grey is usually used for external surface siding and floor covering. Granite, mainly used in the construction sector, is good for figure inscribing due to its properties such as varnish absorbing, color attractiveness and enduring. Largest reserves are found in Ordu, Rize, Trabzon, Balıkesir, Kırklareli, Kırşehir, Bolu, İzmit, Çanakkale, and İzmir. Use of granite that is usually chosen by developed countries due to its shiny look and endurance has started to spread in Turkey so far.

Written by Tülay Uyanık