What is Dresser Trap Rock?

Dresser Trap Rock Inc. continues as one of Wisconsin's oldest industries. Though established in 1914, trap rock has been mined and processed in the Dresser area since 1955. The company name originates from the kind of rock being crushed on locations: trap rock, which is a dark, fine-grained igneous rock.
Dresser Trap Rock is unique, bluish-gray basalt. As boulders, it exhibits subtle hues of gray, blues, reds, pink, and purples. In crushed aggregate form, the gray color dominates, creating a unique richness unattainable with any other ground cover.

Known as one of North America's hardest rock, trap rock is actually altered basalt, or volcanic (non-porous) rock with irregular seams. The quality of trap rock deposits vary, in the same manner other mineral deposits vary. The Dresser trap rock deposit remains the hardest concentration of this basalt-type rock in America; so hard, that Dresser Trap Rock boulders were utilized by NASA for testing drills employed on the moon probe.

For further mineralogy information:
Mineralogy of Wisconsin database - created by William S. Cordua:
located on the University of Wisconsin - River Falls website.

Check out the specific page for Dresser Trap Rock: Mineral Index

Today, Dresser Trap Rock is consumed extensively in bituminous and concrete applications, erosion control and ice control, road construction, landscaping and as ballast for many rail lines throughout the Midwest.

Landscape designers specify gray rock to form picture-perfect borders for foundations, driveways, sidewalks, pools, patios, and other applications. As an ideal background color, trap rock compliments flowers, shrubs, trees, and all colored structures. What's more, trap rock's innate hardness is ideal for building natural looking, long-lasting structures such as waterfalls and retaining walls.

Beauty and Value that Endures

Count on Dresser Trap Rock to retain its original shape and luxurious color forever. It is inert and unaffected by sun, rain, or temperature. Landscaping with Dresser Trap Rock is a wise investment. You will be rewarded with a lifetime of visual pleasure without maintenance, plus added value to your home, building or complex.