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The History of Connemara Marble
Written by Lulu O'Sullivan
Hi Everyone. Recently we've had lots of enquiries from our customers regarding Connemara Marble. So I thought it was time to revisit the history of Ireland's ancient gemstone. It also gives me an excuse to share some of my top Celtic jewelry picks from The Irish Store Collection!
Connemara
Connemara is a region in county Galway. The word Connemara comes from the Gaelic meaning “Inlets for the Sea”. When you go there you cannot help but be bowled over by it's awe-inspiring beauty. I think Oscar Wilde described it best when he spoke of the region possessing a “savage beauty” . Here's a video of my visit with Stephen Walsh at his marble quarry.
What is Connemara Marble?
Connemara Marble is a rare form of marble found in the region. It is typically greenish in colour. It is one of the rarest forms of marble in the world. Deposits date back some 600 million years! The marble forms when limestone is heated under pressure. While the colour is predominately green there are often shades of grey and brown seen throughout. 4000 year old axes made from Connemara Marble in the Stone Age can be seen in The National Museum of Ireland.
The Streamstown Marble Quarry
Streamstown Marble quarry in Clifden is the oldest of the marble quarries. It was opened in 1822 by the Joyce Family. The Joyce name was to become synonymous with Connemara Marble supplying world-famous buildings with the Ireland's iconic marble. One of the finest examples of Connemara Marble in Ireland forms the stunning floor of Galway Cathedral.
Other examples can be found in Westminster Cathedral, London's General Post Office and the Natural History Museum in Oxford. In 1895, New York marble merchant Robert C Fisher imported large quantities to the States. It adorns many buildings, especially churches and cathedrals. The most famous examples in America can be seen in the Senate Chamber and Senate Post Office of the State Capital Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.Of course today Connemara Marble is hugely popular in Celtic jewelry design. Here's our top 3 favorite pieces from The Irish Store.
Lulus Top Connemara Marble Jewelry Picks
1. Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross
We'll start with our 5-star rated Celtic cross pendant. There's so much to love about this gorgeous necklace. First of all, there's the exquisitely crafted Trinity knot detailing. Then there's the highly polished arms of Connemara Marble, Ireland's unique and ancient gemstone. Finally, there's the single marcasite stone at the centre, giving a touch of subtle sparkle. Crafted from sterling silver and hallmarked at Dublin Castle.
2. Silver Connemara Marble Claddagh Ring
3. Connemara Marble Celtic Tara Brooch
This stunning Celtic pin draws inspiration from one of Ireland's iconic treasures, the Tara Brooch. Discovered in the 19th century and dating back to 700 AD. A stunning example of early Celtic art. A stand out Irish brooch and the perfect gift from the Emerald Isle.
LULU O'SULLIVAN
Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!
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27 comments
Susan Conner Jul 22, 2024 at 18:17
Hi. Its been 6 years and I never heard back from your people. Just want to say I enjoyed accidently finding your page again today, and I was so surprised to see my message, which I obviouly forgot about. Interestingly enough, I found out that my Italian Supplier in Montreal (*they actually told me they own the mining rights of Connemara marble) could supply me no problem. Such a small world!!!! I continue to make heritage pieces in Irish stone, here in Canada, where so many of us Irish sculptors ended up. Did you know that in the 1500’s we (the Connors) were the stone carvers to the Scottish Kings?
ReplyJohn Willmouth Nov 11, 2023 at 13:05
Hello Lulu,
Sorry, I am very unlikely to be one of your customers, but as a geologist I just love Connemara. I enjoy all my visits to Ireland, but without a doubt Connemara is my favourite. The overall geology is incredibly complex.
Yes, it is boggy, wild and windswept (plus rain swept) and often I have had students who decide, when their boots are sucked off in the middle of a bog (and those are only just off the road), that perhaps they don’t want to be a geologist after all. But after a few drinks in very warm, friendly and welcoming Oliver’s Bar, in Cleggan, they are back on track…until their boot gets sucked off again.
I always arrange to take them to the marble quarry and outside the fence there are plenty of small samples to pick up.
As a matter of interest, the green colouring comes from a mineral called forsterite.
Kind regards
John
Lulu O'Sullivan Jul 05, 2021 at 15:28
Hi Michael,
Probably best to contact Stephen Walsh at Connemara Marble directly with your enquiry. Website link below;
https://connemaramarble.com/
Kind regards.
Lulu
ReplyMichael D Szelagowski Jul 04, 2021 at 01:16
Are cremation boxes available for purchase?
ReplyLulu O'Sullivan Jun 08, 2021 at 08:50
HI Pam,
Connemara Marble comes from the Connemara region in County Galway.
Kind regards,
Lulu
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