Granite, What Is It

Have you ever wondered how and where Granite Headstones are made?First just what is granite? Granite is a very strong, durable rock composed of three different minerals. 

Feldspar – The White in Granite is the Feldspar, also the most abundant mineral.
Quartz – Has glass like grains, light gray in color.

Biotite – Black, flake grains, also called Black Mica.

Granite is heavy. Just how heavy?

• Granite wights 160 to 220 pounds per cubic foot!
• 2-3 times heavier than concrete.
• • • 1/3rd as heavy as steel.
    • Marble weight is equal to granite, but it’s much softer rock .

  What makes Granite so Hard?

  A diamond, has the hardness of 10 . It cannot be scratched except by other diamonds. The softest materials have a hardness of 1 and are easily scratched. Few materials except for precious stones are harder than 7. Most granite is between 6 and 7 on the hardness scale.

• No other natural stone used for commercial purposes is any harder or more difficult to break than granite.
  • Oakwood Hardness of 2
  • Glass Hardness 5
  • Steel Hardness 6
  • Granite Hardness 6-7
  • Diamond Hardness 10Where does the majority of granite used in the Monument Industry come from? Elberton, GA. is a  very small town East of Atlanta. Elberton has been recognized as the Granite Capital of the World.There are factories that design, cut, and carve monuments which are then sent around the world to Memorial Dealers, who then sell and install in cemeteries. Elberton Granite Facts
    1. 45 Granite Quarries
    2. 200 Granite Related Business
    3. Annual Wages In Excess of 100 Million Dollars.
    4. Elberton Granite Memorials are Sold In All 50 States and Many Foreign Countries
    5. 150 Granite Manufacturing Plants
    6. 2000 Industry Employees
    7. Annual Granite Sales for Commercial and Memorials Exceeds 250 Million.

    Elberton Produces More Granite Monuments Than Any Other CIty In The World.

    Granite Manufacturing Company in Elberton Carving Memorials

    Why is the Granite that is quarried in Elberton, GA. is the prefered granite for memorials?

    • Size of Mineral Grains is smaller.
    • Evenness of Grain Sizes. 
    • • Colors of the Minerals are white.

      These make for colors to be more even and not vary as much as other granites.

      ELBERTON GRANITE FACTS

      Crushing Strength:  Ten samples of Elberton Blue-Gray granites were taken from seven different quarries all averaged 23,450 psi (pounds per square inch). Testing showed no significant difference to indicate grabites from one producing are are more durable; all have adequate strength for any memorial or structoreuse.Example: The Washington Monument load bearing requirements for stone is equal to 600 psi.

      Ratio of Absorption:  Samples were submerged in water for 10 hours with a calculated ratio of absorption of 0.23%.

      Other Test: Staining was least noticeable in Elberton Granites, so was weathering.

      Monumental Stone Characteristics: Not all granites are classified by the  U.S. Bureau of Mines as suitable for “Monumental Stone.” According to the Bureau’s standards for class one granites, they must meet exacting requirements such as uniform texture and color, freedom from flaws and general suitability for polishing and carving and resistance to weathering. Elbertons Georgia Gray Granites meet these requirements in every aspect.

      You can’t go wrong choosing any of the colors offered by the Memorial Guy. While many trade names are applied memorial stones all the Monumental Grade Granites last so long with so little visible change that the factor of endurance should never be considered when making your choice.Selection should be made on the basis of Color, Texture, Design, and Craftsmanship.

       

      Referenced from Elberton Granite Association What is Granite