Bulgaria is a country rich in mountainous regions, and these areas contain a large number of quarries that provide valuable building and industrial materials. Although many of these quarries are actively worked, they have not yet been fully studied or classified according to their geological composition and economic importance. Nevertheless, they represent a significant natural resource for the country.
Across Bulgaria, there is a wide variety of materials found in these quarries, including granite, marble, lithographic stone, millstones, fuller’s earth, fire clay, and various kinds of ochre. These materials are used for both domestic industries and export, especially to neighboring countries like Romania.
Quarries for Argillaceous Clay
The argillaceous clay quarries are mainly located near Lukovit and Panega, in the district of Lovech. These areas also have two lime kilns, where the clay and limestone are processed into lime for construction and industrial purposes. This type of clay is particularly useful in the production of bricks, tiles, and cement Customized Turkey Tours.
Quarries for Potter’s Clay
Potter’s clay, which is essential for making pottery and ceramic products, is found near Chukurovo and Bistritsa in the province of Sofia, as well as at Torlak in the district of Ruse (Roustchouk).
The “Isida Factory” at Novo Selo, near Sofia, uses clay from Chukurovo for its pottery production. Meanwhile, the Torlak clay is partly exported to Romania and partly used by the “Trud Factory” in Ruse for local pottery manufacturing. Additionally, large quantities of clay are exported to Romania from the village of Onanets, showing that this natural resource plays an important role in Bulgaria’s regional trade.
Lithographic Stone
Another valuable material found in Bulgaria is the lithographic stone of Negochevo, located about 25 kilometres from Sofia and 14 kilometres from the Sofia–Constantinople (Istanbul) railway line. This stone is known for its excellent quality and fine appearance, making it suitable for lithographic printing and decorative use.
However, due to a lack of financial investment, the quarry at Negochevo has temporarily stopped operations. With better funding and infrastructure, this site could become one of Bulgaria’s most productive sources of lithographic stone.
Marble and Limestone Quarries
Bulgaria also has many marble quarries, which are among the most valuable in the country. The most important marble quarries are located at Buzkradja (in the district of Kazanlak), Berkovitsa (in the province of Vratsa), and Bdovo, which lies on the railway line from Sofia to Constantinople. There are also productive marble areas near Kavakli.
In addition to marble, soft limestone is found in the villages of Pirgos and Krassen (in the district of Ruse) and at Varbechitsa (in the district of Vratsa). The limestone from Pirgos and Krassen is of such high quality that large quantities are exported to Romania, where it is used in major construction projects. In fact, many of the principal buildings in Bucharest were built using stone extracted from these Bulgarian quarries.
The quarrying industry in Bulgaria, though not yet fully developed or scientifically organized, already shows great potential. With better investment, infrastructure, and geological research, Bulgaria could increase production, improve quality control, and expand exports.
These quarries not only provide important construction materials but also demonstrate the rich natural diversity of Bulgaria’s mountains—an untapped source of national wealth waiting to be further explored and managed efficiently.