---
title: Grinding stone quarry in Gosau at Dachstein
url: "https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/artikel/detail/3978/grindstone-quarry-gosau-at-dachstein.html"
description: The grinding stones used to be the main source of income for the locals of Gosau at Dachstein. Today only a few people work part-time in the quarries.
date: 2012-06-19
modified: 2026-03-06
---

# Grinding stone quarry in Gosau at Dachstein

Grindstone from Gosau at Dachstein
==================================

**Valuable grindstone has been mined in Gosau for the past 4 centuries.. Grindstone quarrying was an important source of income for the people of Gosau at Dachstein for around 400 years. Operations ceased in 1969. In 1989, however, ambitious local people who had inherited the right to mine in Gosau established a new company and began mining once again.**

Grinding stones far older than mankind
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**Around 80 million years ago**, fine **particle, fossil- free sandstone** formed a corrie in the cretaceous sea under which Gosau at Dachstein was situated at that time. As a result, **high-quality sandstone was formed** and mined for over 400 years. Most importantly, it was **used to sharpen scythes and wood-working tools**.

In spring each year, a layer of marl was removed. The marl protected the stone against snow and weathering. With the help of special tools, the shape of the grindstone was drawn and was subsequently **chiseled out with a pick hammer**. In winter the workers would **transport the stone on huge sledges down to the valley**. Lathes were then used to form the stone into the desired shape.

The following photo gallery can be navigated with the arrow keys (left, right).

  © Open copyright  © Gridstone from Gosau at Dachstein (photo: Elisabeth Grill) Close copyright

 [      ![The gridstones from Gosau at Dachstein are very special (photo: Elisabeth Grill)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/9/csm_Schleifstein-Gosau-Dachstein-Foto-Grill-Elisabeth_b0d12788c7.jpg "Gridstone from Gosau at Dachstein (photo: Elisabeth Grill)")

 ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/HandwerkBrauchtum/Schleifstein-Gosau-Dachstein-Foto-Grill-Elisabeth.JPG "Gridstone from Gosau at Dachstein (photo: Elisabeth Grill)")

  © Open copyright  © Grindstone quarry in Gosau at Dachstein (photo: Grill Elisabeth) Close copyright

 [      ![They are still producing in the grindstone quarries (photo: Grill Elisabeth)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/c/d/csm_Schleifsteinbrueche-Gosau-Foto-Grill-Elisabeth_58513e40f1.jpg "Grindstone quarry in Gosau at Dachstein (photo: Grill Elisabeth)")

 ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/HandwerkBrauchtum/Schleifsteinbrueche-Gosau-Foto-Grill-Elisabeth.JPG "Grindstone quarry in Gosau at Dachstein (photo: Grill Elisabeth)")

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The stone is **still being mined today on a part time basis.** This valuable grindstone is used for small machines.

### Further information

 [  © Open copyright  © Copyright: Grill Elisabeth Close copyright

     ![Grindstone quarries](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Grindstone quarries (© Copyright: Grill Elisabeth)")

Gosau

###  Place of Happiness Gritstone Quarries

 Valuable grindstone has been mined in Gosau for the past four centuries. Grindstone quarrying was an important source of income for the people of Gosau for around 400 years. Operations ceased in 1969. In 1989, however, ambitious local people who had inherited the right to mine in…

 ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/culture-traditions/oesterreich-poi/detail/430009495/place-of-happiness-gritstone-quarries.html)