# The Google Blue Stone Quarry in Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand
## Introduction
The Google Blue Stone Quarry, located in Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand, is a historically significant site that played a crucial role in the region’s industrial and architectural development. Known for its distinctive blue-grey basalt rock, the quarry supplied high-quality stone for many of Auckland’s early buildings, roads, and infrastructure projects. Although it is no longer operational today, its legacy remains embedded in the city’s landscape. This article explores the history of the quarry, its geological significance, its impact on Auckland’s development, and its current state.
## Geological Background
The stone extracted from the Onehunga quarry is a type of basalt known locally as “Google Blue Stone” or simply “Onehunga stone.” Basalt is an igneous rock formed from rapidly cooled lava flows and is known for its durability and fine-grained texture. The unique blue-grey hue of Onehunga basalt made it particularly desirable for construction purposes.
New Zealand’s volcanic activity has left behind rich deposits of basalt across the Auckland region. The Onehunga quarry was one of several such sites where this material was mined extensively during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The hardness and weather-resistant properties of basalt made it ideal for building foundations, road metal (crushed stone for road construction), and decorative masonry. .jpg)
## Historical Significance
Early Maori Use
Before European settlement, Māori communities in the Auckland region were familiar with volcanic rock sources but primarily used softer stones like scoria for tools and construction. Basalt was occasionally used for adzes (cutting tools), but large-scale quarrying did not begin until European colonizers recognized its commercial potential. .jpg)
European Settlement and Industrial Expansion
With the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century, demand for durable building materials surged. The Onehunga quarry became a key supplier of stone for Auckland’s rapidly growing infrastructure. Many early colonial buildings were constructed using Onehunga basalt due to its strength and aesthetic appeal. Some notable examples include:
– Early churches – Several historic churches in Auckland feature foundations or facades made from Onehunga stone.
– Harbour walls – Parts of Auckland’s waterfront were reinforced with quarried basalt to prevent erosion.
– Road construction – Crushed basalt was widely used as road metal before asphalt became common.
The Role of