Cowichan Lake & Tahsis Quarries

Vancouver Island’s unique geology was shaped over millions of years when the continent of “Wrangalia” collided with and folded beneath the North American landmass. Today, remnants of this ancient land remain in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska, Haida Gwaii, and Vancouver Island, where two marble quarries continue to thrive. The Black Carmanah Marble is sourced from the Gorden River area, while the Vancouver Island White and Tlupana Blue-Grey Marbles come from the Tahsis region on the island’s northwest coast.

Since 1980, our factory has combined traditional Italian methods with modern technology to produce exceptional marble products. We extract premium blocks, then process them in our Duncan, BC plant with advanced equipment, including gang saws, CNC machines, and polishing lines. The beauty of Vancouver Island marble reflects its pristine environment, and we proudly employ local talent while continuing to explore new quarry sites on the island.

Vision & Discovery

In 1980, Ivo Zanatta and his father, Dennis Zanatta — an Italian stone expert and owner of Matrix Marble & Stone — recognized the demand for high-quality, locally sourced stone. After years of research, including exploring geological archives and making numerous field expeditions, the Zanattas discovered a rich deposit of black marble in 1990. Located mid-island near Cowichan Lake, their quarry soon began producing blocks, slabs, and three-dimensional stone products.

The Journey

In 1890, the Nootka Marble Quarries of Ucluelet, BC, opened a site at Hisnet Inlet, producing building stone and grave markers still visible on Vancouver Island. After closing during WWI and being abandoned in the Depression, the Zanatta family rediscovered the quarry in 1996 and opened a new site near Tahsis. Since founding Vancouver Island Marbles in 1990, they’ve invested in advanced, eco-friendly equipment, serving clients across the Pacific Northwest and Canada with minimal environmental impact.

Island Made

Today, both companies remain family-owned and operated by the Zanatta family. Vancouver Island Marble Quarries continues to explore and quarry premium marbles sourced directly from Vancouver Island. Meanwhile, Matrix Marble & Stone serves as the island’s leading fabrication and processing plant, supplying the largest selection of imported and natural stones on Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island Made

Timeless by nature, our natural stones are crafted to last. Visit our showroom and explore our extensive stone gallery to select your perfect Vancouver Island Marble.
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