GRANITE MINE

Granite is the gift; Mother Nature has blessed the mankind, who has always found various means to utilize these treasures. A strong and solid rock, granite has found umpteen uses, particularly in the construction of buildings and other structures. Another popular usage of the stone is as the architectural stone in exterior, interior decoration, landscaping and monuments. The definition of “granite” varies. A geologist might define granite as a coarse-grained, quartz- and feldspar-bearing igneous rock that is made up entirely of crystals. Granite technically refers to a light-colored granulose plutonic rock composed of feldspars, plagioclase, quartz (felsic minerals) and minor amounts of mafic minerals such as biotite, hornblende, pyroxene, iron oxides etc. But in the commercial parlance, the term Granite has become synonymous with all those crystalline rocks which have pleasing colours, strength to bear the processes of quarrying, cutting & polishing and are used commonly for decorative purposes. In the dimension stone trade, the word “granite” is used for any feldspar-bearing rock with interlocking crystals that are large enough to be seen with the unaided eye. By this classification, rocks such as anorthosite, gneiss, granite, granodiorite, monzonite, syenite, gabbro and others are all sold under the trade name of “granite”. Being more resistant to wear and tear as well as weathering, granite is the most sought-after stone to be used as building as well as decorative stone. The fascination for granite is due to its taking mirror-like polish, high compressive strength, longevity and beauty. Indoors, polished granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and many other design elements. Granite is a prestige material, used in projects to produce impressions of elegance and quality. One of the most familiar uses of granite in the United States is in kitchen countertops. In addition to solid slab countertops, granite tiles can be used to create a colourful and durable work station. Granite is nearly always massive (lacking internal structures), hard and tough, and therefore it has gained widespread use as a construction stone. The average density of granite is between 2.65 and 2.75 g/cm3. Granite is the most sought-after among all building stones. In ancient times, granite pillars and beams were preferred material to support the huge structures of temples and palaces and for making protective walls around them. With the invention of modern tools of greater hardness and polishing ability, the use of granite has rather increased on account of its aesthetic value. The modern motorised tools of tungsten carbide and brazed diamond have enabled the user to cut & polish granite as per the specifications of the Building Sector. Presently, cut and polished granite slabs of 20 mm thickness are preferred for flooring, while tiles of 10 or 12 mm thickness are used for cladding. In addition to this, gravestones and monuments of various shapes and sizes are also in vogue. The flexibility of the cutting tools has engendered creation of many artefacts of granite for decorative purposes. Granite also finds its application in making garden furniture, such as, benches, fountains and many other articles which are used for landscaping and/or decorative purposes. The cut-to-size small blocks are used as cobblestone, kerbstone, road sidings and for many other innovative purposes. Crude granites are utilised for structural purpose after little dressing & sizing whereas processed granites are used mostly in the construction of buildings and monuments and for interiors and exterior facing. Granites, because of its superior wear resistance and non-denting quality, are used as parts in various meteorological and engineering instruments, such as, surface plates, straight edges, parallels, cubes, V’ blocks and work-mounting tables of co-ordinate measuring machines. The surface plates are used as flat datum surface whenever precise measurements of dimensions and geometrical relationships are to be carried out. For this purpose, harder variety of granite is required so that it can bear the high-degree of grinding, polishing and calibration for achieving flat surface. For its use as surface plates, granites should have properties such as, close grain size, homogeneity, high density and hardness, uniform colour, low moisture absorption and should be free from flaws. (1) Granite Floorings: Available in highly polished finish and a plethora of colours, Granite is also used for laying floor. With wide range of colours it is easier to choose the granite that suits the projects most. The flooring is done by engraving the slabs, tiles or the blocks of granite. The size of slabs and tiles varies and are used as per requirements. With granite flooring tiles, bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms can be designed intricately. Granite is also widely used in office setup, halls for public gatherings, and big building and monuments. (2) Granite Furniture: Granite has been used for the past many years to create innumerable pieces of furniture. Tables are made in a huge range of styles and finishes, utilizing the unique physical properties of granite, supplemented by appropriate smoothing and polishing. The exquisite granite furniture has exotic and rustic appeal. The typical granite furniture items include tables, bed, benches, bathing tub, side tables, stools and garden furniture. The furniture can be made in any size and design suiting the requirement of the end user. The granite furniture is available in a vast variety of colours ranging from black, white, brown, red, buff, gray, mauve to pink. (3) Granite Counter Tops: Granite is a felsic, irruptive, plutonic and igneous rock formed from magma. Having medium to coarse texture, granite is larger than the ground mass forming a rock known as porphyry. Depending on chemistry and mineralogy, granite colours vary from pink to dark gray or even black. Counter top is generally a horizontal work surface used in kitchens, other food preparation areas and workrooms. It is installed above and supported by cabinets. Counter top is made from various materials such as limestone, marble, soapstone, gabbro, wood, butcher block, stainless steel, granite and many more. Granite counter tops are the slabs of granite. While installing them, more character and depth of granite’s natural beauty and elegance is added, mostly used in kitchen, bars, bathroom and counters of the shops. Available in various colours and textures, granite counter tops give an elegant and impressive look to any home or commercial establishment. Granite counter top specializes in embellishing and beautifying your home with using fine quality granite, its vanities and fireplace surrounds. Granite tops are perfect and ideal for all kitchen and bathroom needs. Due to granite strength, high durability, availability of more colour, they have become the material of choice for homeowners. Granite counter tops are one of the most valuable accessions which add beauty as well as functionality in your home. (4) Granite Monument: Granite, primarily used as a building stone has been a part of various monuments for over many years Granite, by reason of its massive nature and homogeneous grain, is eminently adapted for monumental and architectural work as well as for massive masonries. The wide range in appearance and colour renders the stones highly ornamental and effective for a variety of decorative uses. The capacity of taking on good polish gives a pleasing appearance. Its quality of resistance to weathering surpasses it over marble, which makes it all the more suitable for monumental purposes.