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Ruba. The "Gralyovo" dolomite quarry.

Natural site

Natural site

Belarus, Vitebsk region, Babinichi village council

Description

The dolomite quarry "Gralyovo", located in the Vitebsk region, near the village of Ruba, is sometimes called the "Belarusian Grand Canyon". This comparison conveys the grandeur and mesmerizing beauty of this place, created by the hard work of man and nature itself. The landscapes here really impress with their scale and strangeness for the Belarusian landscape.

Categories

Outdoor activity

Outdoor activity

Geological

Geological

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Reviews to the Place

1

Ольга Ерёменко

23.09.2025

The Gralyovo quarry.

The Gralyovo quarry is the largest active dolomite mine in Belarus, where development has been underway since the early 1970s. This quarry, which is part of the Rubovsky dolomite deposit, is an important source of raw materials for the Dolomite company.


The quarry is located on the Surazh lowland, in the geological layer of the Upper Devonian, the age of which is estimated at about 380 million years. Stretching for 2.5 kilometers, it reaches a depth of up to 45 meters. The dolomite mined here is used in various industries, including construction (cement, lime), metallurgy, glass industry, and agriculture (soil deoxidation).


Quarry development is carried out using a complex stripping system and a step-by-step system. Fossilized remains of organisms from the Paleozoic era are often found in the quarry rock: corals, shells, and even mammoth tusks. Some of the finds are kept in the museum of the enterprise.


Today, the Gralyovo quarry continues to be actively developed, providing raw materials to various industries. At the same time, it has become a popular destination for tourists and photographers, attracting impressive cliffs, turquoise waters in flooded parts, and the opportunity to see giant BelAZ trucks in operation.


The panoramic viewing platforms, which offer spectacular views of the quarry, are especially popular among visitors. The viewing platforms are not equipped and require special care, especially at the edge of the cliff.


In addition to the impressive views and observing the machinery, geology enthusiasts can try to find interesting fossil specimens in the rock dumps. You can arrange a photo shoot: the photos in this place are very spectacular.


The Gralyovo dolomite quarry is a unique place where you can see the impressive results of human labor, enjoy beautiful landscapes and touch the history of the earth. Visiting this place will leave an unforgettable impression and allow you to take a fresh look at the beauty of the Belarusian nature.

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