The quarry «Eckwil» is a wonderful spot of earth. In this quiet place you can relax and enjoy the nature.
The shell sandstone and its use
When a sea arose between the Black Forest and the folding Alps about 30 million years ago, rock formations formed, which became important economic factors for the later villages of Mägenwil and Wohlenschwil. The shells of the seashells deposited at the bottom of the sea. The surf tore them to sand. Later these deposits hardened, which geologists count as so-called marine molasses. They became mussel sandstone. On top of that lay other layers: fresh water lime, sand, marl. Only in a few places in the Mittellands is the shell sandstone near the surface, for example in Estavayer on Lake Neuchâtel, in Zofingen, in the region of Mägenwil and in Würenlos.
The Mägenwiler mussel sandstone hardly splinters and can be cut well, which is why he finds the favor of the sculptor. Its attractive structure with the fine white shells, its gray-green, in some formations also yellowish color make it popular. Until today, it is used for window and door surrounds, tombs, fountain troughs, floor coverings, facade cladding and much more. The most well-known buildings with a facade from Mägenwiler Stein are the National Bank in Zurich and the Federal Court in Lausanne. The list of other large facades from Mägenwiler natural stone - also from recent times - could be extended arbitrarily: Department store Ober and Vita insurance in Zurich, Bankgesellschaft, Kunsthaus and main post office in Aarau, Neue Aargauer Bank in Wohlen, Volksbank in Brugg. In many churches of the Aargau you walk over floor slabs from Mägenwiler stone. Last but not least in Aargau many field cross, many watering and ornamental fountains from this material.