Since 1966, the company currently known as Yellowstone Rock has been a reliable source of travertine – supplying its material to high-profile projects throughout the U.S. After several changes of ownership over the decades, the company partnered with the Montana Little Shell Chippewa Tribe in 2021. The Tribe’s ownership of travertine quarries in Gardiner, MT, expanded the company’s color range. As a result of this broader geographic footprint and growth in production capability, the company rebranded as Yellowstone Rock. Recent investments in technology from Stone Equipment USA have also contributed to the successful business expansion. These projects include commercial, institutional, healthcare, government and high-end residential construction.

“The company, [originally named Idaho Travertine], was founded by a group of local rockhounds and investors with the goal of producing natural stone locally in Idaho,” explained General Manager Kaleb Orchard. “In 1969, Ted Orchard joined the company after working in sales and specification for a company in Utah. Ted helped specify Idaho travertine for the Idaho Supreme Court Building in Boise, a project that required locally sourced stone. Once the contract was awarded, Idaho Travertine asked Ted to join the company as the production manager to oversee the project. At that time, the business had primarily completed small local work such as residential applications and hearths. The Supreme Court project marked the company’s transition into larger commercial and institutional construction. The largest project being the Southwest Bell (now owned by AT&T) in Dallas, TX."

Orchard went on to say that in 1988 Ted Orchard purchased the business and returned it to its original name, Idaho Travertine, establishing long-term Orchard family leadership. He later invited several of his children to join the company — expanding its capabilities and project scale.

“Under family leadership, Idaho Travertine supplied stone for nationally recognized projects, including the Salt Lake City Conference Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Buck Institute for Cancer Research and the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple, which received a Marble Institute of America Pinnacle Award in 2002,” said Orchard. He noted several reasons why he believes the company has remained strong for so long. They include:

• Over 60 years of family experience and legacy.
• We supply our stone from quarry to the end-user.
• Our American-quarried stone is high quality to match our American-fabrication standards.
• Our family has been able to build and maintain long-term relationships with architects, contractors and designers.
• Our travertine performs well in large-scale architectural and diverse applications.

The Quarries

Presently, Yellowstone Rock owns and operates multiple active travertine quarries located in Idaho and Montana. The Continental Buff and Continental Ivory quarries are located in Idaho, while the Yellowstone Frost and Yellowstone Rose quarries are in Montana. The company’s entire collection of quarries are travertine deposits formed by the Yellowstone Supervolcano.

Active quarry areas range from several acres to larger multi-acre deposits that support long-term production, according to Orchard. Quarry operations utilize heavy excavation equipment and track chainsaws and a mobile chainsaw. Fabrication capabilities include two single-wire saws, a 46-wire multi-wire saw, a slab polishing line capable of producing honed, filled, polished and brushed finishes, two 5-axis CNC bridge saws and a stone splitter. “These capabilities allow Yellowstone Rock to supply dimensional stone, architectural panels, slabs and custom-fabricated components,” he said.

Following the 2021 partnership with the Montana Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, Yellowstone Rock invested in key fabrication upgrades, including the purchase of a Hedel multi-wire saw and a Terzago automated slab polishing line through Stone Equipment USA. “These investments have improved consistency, expanded slab production capacity and strengthened the company’s ability to continue to support architectural-scale programs,” said Orchard.

Yellowstone Rock currently employs approximately 20 team members across quarry operations, fabrication, logistics, sales and administration. Day-to-day operations and management of the company continue to be led by the Orchard family, providing continuity in production standards and customer relationships. The company’s largest projects are architectural wall cladding for both interior and exterior applications. Additional projects have ranged from pools and pavers, landscape, dimensional stone, slabs and custom fabrication.

Reflective of the Land

“Travertine is a natural limestone formed by mineral-rich springs, resulting in inherent movement, variation and texture that cannot be replicated by manufactured materials,” said Orchard. “Each piece is unique, contributing to the character and authenticity of the finished installation.

“The travertine quarried by Yellowstone Rock is closely tied to the region’s unique geology,” Orchard went on to say. “Hydrothermal activity associated with the Yellowstone Supervolcano played a significant role in mineral-rich spring systems throughout Idaho and Montana, contributing to the deposition and formation of the company’s travertine deposits over time. This geological history influences both the color range and durability of the stone that is unmatched in other travertines.”

According to Orchard, Yellowstone Rock specializes in high-quality and durable American travertine that is not available anywhere else. “We offer a reliable domestic supply chain,” he said. “The material has demonstrated long-term performance in demanding environments, including exterior installations, freeze–thaw conditions and unmatched beauty. Beyond material supply, the company supports projects through material selection, mockups, custom fabrication and coordination throughout production. Yellowstone Rock is the largest quarrier of American travertine suitable for any application. With over 60 years of stone experience and family legacy, our craftsmanship matches the quality and durability of our stone. Yellowstone Rock continues to focus on high-quality and durable travertine from our quarry to a project — no matter the size.”