One of the oldest quarriers and fabricators in the U.S., Fletcher Granite Co., LLC,

offers a broad range of products -- from curbing to detailed architectural work

From stone applications to technology to the maddening influx of trade shows, the U.S. stone industry has seen major changes over the past 20 years

About 12 years ago, fresh out of college, I answered an advertisement in a local newspaper seeking an assistant editor for an “architectural trade magazine.”

Now in its third generation, Taran Brothers Slate Co. of Poultney, VT, relies on time-proven methods for quarrying and processing Vermont slate

Based in Frederick, MD, GranTops has a formal strategy for all aspects of its business -- from shop procedures to customer satisfaction

The state of Vermont's rich history in soapstone -- which has traditionally been used for sinks, woodstoves, countertops and cookware -- has led one entrepreneur to specialize in importing this unique material from Brazil

Located in Phoenix, AZ, Saban Tile, Marble & Granite has an advanced fabrication facility for countertops and custom waterjet work, and it also stocks tile products

Already a world leader in supplying stone for commercial projects and in slab form, Henraux has expanded its facilities in Italy with a new plant for resin-treated slabs

Situated high in Carrara's Apuan Alps, Mazzucchelli Marmi's quarry for Carrara White C and CD marble produces stone for architectural work around the world

Founded in 1898, Frugoli of Avenza, Italy, has been fabricating natural stone, and the company exports its products around the world -- with a keen eye on the U.S. marketplace