Portland Stone

Portland Stone – Timeless, Sustainable, and Exceptional

Portland Stone is a naturally occurring oolitic limestone, formed during the Tithonian stage of the Late Jurassic period, around 145 million years ago. In the shallow, warm seas of that era, layers of calcium carbonate, shell fragments, and fossil deposits gradually accumulated on the seabed. Over millions of years, these sediments were compacted and cemented into solid limestone through natural geological processes. Its distinctive composition of tiny spherical grains, known as ooids, combined with fossilized shells, gives Portland Stone its subtle texture and character. While the basic colour of the stone is remarkably consistent, variations in shell content and bed texture create gentle differences in how light interacts with the surface, making each block uniquely beautiful.

Albion Stone has been at the forefront of the Portland Stone industry for almost a century, extracting this iconic material for over forty years. Operating the largest and most productive mines on the Isle of Portland, we provide a full range of Portland Stone suitable for both contemporary and heritage projects. By pioneering the transition from open quarrying to underground mining, we ensure the preservation of the environment while maintaining the highest quality standards. Our stones are recognised globally as eco-friendly, sustainable building materials.

Quality and safety underpin everything we do. We adhere to ISO 9001 Quality Management standards and maintain strict workforce safety protocols in line with ISO 45001. Our commitment to the environment is reinforced through ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification. In responsible sourcing, Albion Stone is unrivalled, being the only company worldwide to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating in BES 6001. Our Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) demonstrates the minimal environmental impact of our stone, making it an ideal choice for projects targeting BREEAM accreditation or Life Cycle Assessments.