The word granite derives its name from Latin "granum", meaning a grain, that represents the coarse-grained structure of this crystalline rock. Basically, granite is an igneous rock that is formed from magma. Granite is usually white or light brown in colour. They are also available in pink, gray or black colours based on their chemistry and mineralogy.
Granite is usually a medium to coarsely grained rock. It is a hard and tough stone and is widely used as a construction stone.
Granite is an igneous rock which competes with diamond in hardness and durability. The tiles made of granite are thus very durable and long-lasting in nature. Although the tiles made of granite are slightly costlier than those made of porcelain or slate, they are still demanded more owing to their exquisite appearance and longevity. Multiple designs are carved on these tiles by use of electric torches, they are also well polished with the help of special equipment. The resulting tiles look very elegant and classy with a glossy appearance. Nowadays various colors of granite rocks are used for making different types of tiles. Some of these colors include pink, blue, green, white, black, grey, brown, and red. The tiles made of these different colors granites look fascinating. Granite tiles are one of the architects' favorite construction materials.
Areas of Existence
The states of India famous for the production of granite tiles are Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Usage of Granite Tiles
These days the granite tiles are used in a multiplicity of applications. Some of their common applications include interior and exterior cladding; walkway paving; laying floor; fabrication of fireplaces, counter-tops, and stairs, and many other. Nowadays granite tiles are also used in making pillars and in other large-scale construction activities.
Granite slab can be defined as a broad and thick, four sided piece of granite stone which is much larger than a tile. Granite slab being a durable and environmentally safe material, is widely used in the construction industry. Unlike the manufacturing of other construction materials like cement, metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, etc. which creates a lot of irrevocable pollution, no pollutants of any type are emitted in the manufacturing of granite slabs. Besides being aesthetic and comely, the granite slabs have a very long life; they often last for centuries. The contemporary granite slabs are the preference of any builder or architect. The granite slabs come in multiple shapes, their common shapes include square, oval, rectangular, pentagon, and circular. Similarly, there are various colors available in these slabs like white, black, grey, green, pink, brown, and red.
Areas of Existence
Granite slabs are manufactured in ample quantities in many Indian cities, districts, and states. Some of these places include Kunnam, Perumbakkam, Dharampuri, Karasanur, and Madurai districts in Tamil Nadu; Tumkur district in Karnataka; and various cities and districts of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Usage of Granite Slabs
As we have also said earlier, granite slabs have got widespread acclamation in the construction industry due to their durable and eco-friendly nature. Their conspicuous uses in the modern construction industry include building of foundations, pillars, walls, etc. in houses and other structures; and construction of steps, paves, security barriers, park benches, tables, etc. among others. The other uses of granite slabs are making of counter tops, table tops headstones, mortuary slabs, and cremation urns.
Granite blocks are a kind of igneous rocks formed from magma. These blocks are very hard and tough. They can comfortably stand extreme climatic conditions like scorching heat, heavy downpours, snowfall, storms, and so. This is the reason they are widely used in construction applications. The granite blocks are manufactured in a multitude of designs, shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and textures. The granite blocks available nowadays possess the special qualities of being corrosion-resistant, and unaffected to frost, thaw, and polluted environment. Moreover, almost all the granite blocks are fade-free, oil-resistant, and slip-resistant. This is due to their coarse surface. Granite block is an ideal example of elegant and sturdy construction material.
Areas of Existence
The areas known for the existence and availability of granite blocks in India are Kunnam, Karasanur, Perumbakkam, Dharmapuri, and Madurai districts in Tamil Nadu; Tumkur district in Karnataka; Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh; Jhansi city in Uttar Pradesh; and Pali, Barmer, and Jalore districts in Rajasthan.
Usage of Granite Blocks
The aforementioned qualities of granite blocks of being weather resistant and enduring, make them one of the favorite construction materials of structural and civil engineers, and architects. They are widely used in multiple construction applications. Besides this, they are also used for the purpose of interior and exterior cladding; for making stairs and copings; as paving and flooring; for making signage, counter-tops, and conference tables.
The small pieces of granite, called cobbles are available in multiple sizes and colors. These are widely used for decorating the look of the building and is popular architectural stone used for urban as well as interior designing. These are chosen above others due to their durable, scratch-resistant surface ans endless patterns and colors in which granite cobbles are found. Each piece of granite cobbles are unique and possess lasting value.
Areas of Existence
Granite cobbles are sourced from all over India, but some of the renowned states are Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Usage of Granite Cobbles
These are used for interior designing as well as for garden architecture. These are used for the ornamentation of the entrance or the outside of the house or building, are also perfect for large outdoor gardens and parks.
