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Geologic survey: Wyoming has dimensional-stone resources but needs targeted mapping to identify "curling-stone" material
Summary
State geologists told the committee that while Wyoming hosts granite and gabbro bodies with potential for dimensional stone, only about 16% of the state is mapped at exploration scale; targeted geologic and geophysical mapping and stakeholder outreach would be needed to locate Olympic-grade curling-stone material or support a dimensional-stone industry.
The Wyoming Geological Survey briefed the committee on whether Wyoming could supply material for curling stones and, more broadly, on the state's dimensional-stone potential. Interim State Geologist Rainey Linz said the rock used for Olympic-grade curling stones is usually specific gabbro/monzonite/granite varieties that are relatively unaltered, fine-to-medium grained and have the right mineral mix and physical toughness.
"I don't have that answer right now," Linz said. "We don't have a known quarry in Wyoming producing the classic curling-stone material used in the Olympics." She explained the data-driven method the survey uses to identify candidate rock units: first geophysical surveys (magnetic and radiometric) and geologic mapping at a scale suitable for exploration, then targeted field checks and sampling.
Linz pointed out that the Survey has strong historical coverage in some districts but only about 16% of Wyoming is mapped at the scale needed for industry exploration. She recommended (and the agency will solicit) stakeholder input to prioritize mapping, and noted several useful publications on decorative and dimension stone in the state.
The committee and witnesses discussed low-cost, near-term steps: the Wyoming Business Council or Energy Authority could market known, commercially viable quarries and the Survey can issue a stakeholder survey to identify mapping priorities and user needs. Linz emphasized that mapping and public geophysical data (some high-resolution helicopter surveys are in progress or pending) are foundational to industry investment.
Next steps: the Geological Survey will distribute a stakeholder survey and said it can provide maps and references on known quarries and documented dimension-stone units; the committee did not direct immediate funding but signaled interest in exploring targeted mapping and business-council outreach.
