Granite is a popular natural stone known for its strength, durability, and stunning looks. In India, granite is widely used in construction and decorative applications. With the country’s rich geological resources, India is one of the largest producers and exporters of granite in the world. This blog will take you through everything you need to know about granite stone in India, including the types of granite, where it’s found, and its many uses.
1. What is Granite Stone?
Granite is an igneous rock that forms when magma cools slowly under the Earth’s surface. It is mainly made up of quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving it a strong structure and appealing texture. Granite is available in many colors, such as black, white, red, and green, making it a versatile material for various applications.
2. History of Granite Stone
Granite has been an integral part of India’s history and has been widely used for its strength and beauty. Ancient Indian temples like the Brihadeeswara Temple and the monuments at Hampi and Shravanbela Gola display rich granite architecture. Forts and statues reflected his great fame in the Vijayanagara Empire.
The colonial period saw the worldwide use of granite in European architecture and Indian architecture. Today, India is the leading exporter of granite, with states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan being the largest. The best known varieties are Black Galaxy, Absolute Black, and Desert Brown Granite. Granite reflects India’s cultural and architectural heritage and symbolizes strength and timelessness.
3. Types of Granite Stone in India
India produces different types of granite, each with its unique look and use. Some popular granite types found in India include:
- Black Granite: This granite is sleek and elegant, often used for countertops and monuments. Some well-known black granite varieties are Absolute Black and Jet Black.
- White Granite: White granite has a clean, light appearance, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Common varieties include White Galaxy and Ivory White.
- Red Granite: Known for its warm red tones, this granite is used for temples, monuments, and decorative elements. Rosy Red and Red Multicolor are popular options.
- Green Granite: Green granite offers a calm and refreshing vibe, often used in both interior and exterior designs. Verde Alpi and Emerald Green are common varieties.
- Blue Granite: This rare granite has a unique blue tint, often used for high-end projects. Sapphire Blue is a popular variety in this category.
4. Where is Granite Found in India?
India has some of the largest granite reserves in the world, with major granite-producing states including:
- Rajasthan: Known for producing a variety of granite in different colors, especially pink, red, and brown.
- Tamil Nadu: Famous for producing high-quality black granite, which is widely used in commercial and residential spaces.
- Andhra Pradesh: Known for both white and black granite, this state plays a key role in India’s granite industry.
- Karnataka: Karnataka is a significant producer of granite, especially for high-end architectural and flooring projects.
5. Common Uses of Granite Stone in India
Granite is used in various applications, both for functional and decorative purposes. Here are some common uses:
- Flooring: Granite flooring is widely used in both homes and commercial buildings due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Countertops: Granite countertops are popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they are resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
- Monuments and Statues: Granite’s strength makes it the ideal material for monuments and statues. It can withstand weathering and remain intact for generations.
- Wall Cladding: Granite is often used for exterior and interior cladding, giving buildings a sophisticated look.
- Paving Stones: Granite is commonly used for paving stones in gardens, driveways, and walkways, adding a sturdy yet elegant touch to outdoor spaces.
6. Benefits of Using Granite
Granite offers many benefits, making it a popular choice for a variety of projects:
- Durability: Granite is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its wide range of colors and patterns, granite adds beauty to any space, whether for a home, office, or public building.
- Low Maintenance: Granite is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional sealing to protect it from stains.
- Eco-Friendly: Being a natural stone, granite is environmentally friendly, requiring minimal energy to produce and not releasing harmful toxins.
7. Granite Exports from India
India is one of the largest exporters of granite in the world. The country exports granite to many destinations including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Europe. Indian granite is in high demand for use in architecture, monuments and interior design, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
- India is a global leader in granite exports, boasting an industry valued at an impressive ₹25,000 crore.
- India is renowned for exporting some of the most popular granite varieties, such as Absolute Black Granite, Tan Brown Granite, Black Galaxy Granite and Imperial Red Granite.
- India’s primary granite export markets include France, China, and Japan, as reported by granite exporters. In total, Indian granite exports reached 55.9K, with 1,283 exporters supplying 3,245 buyers globally.
- The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Japan are the leading importers of Indian granite.
- The leading HS Codes for granite are 68022390, 68022310, and 25161100.
How Much Granite Export from India:
First, let us explore the table with the information on granite exports from India!
| Granite Exports from India | Granite export data 2023-24 |
| Total Indian granite exports | 55.9K |
| Number of Indian granite Exporters | 12,83 |
| Number of International Buyers | 3245 |
| Granite HS Code | 68022390, 68022310, and 25161100 |
According to granite export data, Indian granite exports totaled 55.9K, with 1,283 Indian exporters supplying 3,245 buyers worldwide.
According to granite export data, India primarily exports its granite to China, Japan, and France, solidifying its position as the world’s largest exporter of Indian granite.
Oman (367 shipments), Sri Lanka (270 shipments), and India (55,914 shipments) are the top three exporters of Indian granite.
The major three granite HSN codes & Description are:
| Granite HS Codes: 68022390 | Polished, monumental or building stone of granite (other than granules or crushed stone) |
| Granite HS Codes: 68022310 | Granite, surfaced (polished, honed, sanded or rustic), not further worked |
| Granite HS Codes: 25161100 | Granite, dimensioned (e.g. slabs, strips and squares), polished, exceeding 2 cm thickness |
8. Challenges in the Granite Industry
While the granite industry in India is thriving, there are some challenges:
Raw Materials: There may be challenges in sourcing high-quality raw materials, or the necessary infrastructure to support their acquisition and processing.
Technology: The mining industry may still rely on outdated technology and equipment, which can hinder efficiency and productivity.
Market Research: Insufficient market research can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of understanding of consumer demands, affecting overall performance.
Safety: Workers are at risk of developing occupational diseases like silicosis and tuberculosis, as well as facing potential accidents on the job due to inadequate safety measures.
Environmental Impact: The sawing and processing of granite can generate significant sludge waste, which poses serious environmental and health risks if not managed properly.
Working Capital: The long payment cycles between purchasing raw blocks and receiving payment for finished products can create cash flow challenges and make it difficult to maintain adequate working capital.Taxes: Tax evasion may occur through practices like incorrect billing and off-the-record transactions, leading to potential legal and financial complications.
9. One of the strongest stones
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, located in the city of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu, India, is a magnificent architectural marvel built in 1010 during the reign of the Chola Dynasty. Notably, the entire temple is constructed using granite, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Chola period. This imposing structure, also known as the Big Temple, stands as a symbol of architectural brilliance, with its towering spire and intricately carved sculptures, showcasing the strength and durability of granite in its construction.
Also, the use of granite in India.
10. What is Flexible Granite Stone?
Flexible granite stone is an innovative material that combines the beauty of natural granite with the ease of flexibility. This new technology makes granite more practical and easier to work with, especially for designers and builders looking for an elegant yet functional solution.
Key Features of Flexible Granite Stone
- Made of Real Granite
Flexible granite stone is made from thin layers of authentic granite, attached to a flexible backing material like fiberglass or resin. This combination allows the stone to bend without cracking or breaking, which is impossible with solid granite. - Looks Just Like Traditional Granite
The best part about flexible granite is that it looks just like regular granite. It has the same stunning colors, patterns, and textures, offering the beauty of natural stone wherever you need it. - Easy to Install
Unlike solid granite slabs, which are heavy and difficult to handle, flexible granite is lightweight and simple to install. It can be easily applied to walls, counters, and even curved surfaces, making it perfect for tricky spots where rigid granite wouldn’t work. - Versatile Applications
Flexible granite is used for many different purposes, from countertops and backsplashes to wall cladding and even furniture. It’s also used in boats, cars, and other places where a lightweight and durable surface is needed. - Durability and Low Maintenance
Just like regular granite, flexible granite is highly durable. It’s resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Cleaning and maintaining it is as simple as wiping it down. - Cost-Effective
Flexible granite stone is generally more affordable than solid granite. It’s easier to transport and install, which can help lower costs. Depending on the manufacturer, it can be a budget-friendly option without compromising on style.
Why Choose Flexible Granite Stone?
Flexible granite stone combines the timeless beauty of granite with modern convenience. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the look and durability of natural stone but with easier installation and lower costs. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, upgrading your office space, or designing a custom car interior, flexible granite stone offers the best of both worlds.
11. Conclusion
Granite is prized in India for its durability, variety and beauty. Using granite for flooring, countertops, monuments, or exterior cladding enhances the look of any space with the long-lasting functionality of India’s diverse granite resources, the country continues to play a leading role in the global granite market.
If you are looking for quality granite for your next project, India has the best options due to its vast reserves and advanced manufacturing processes. Choose granite and enjoy the benefits of this beautiful and durable natural stone!