The Charm of Indian and Foreign Granites..

By Mr.M. Raja, Coimbatore Marble and Granite Association.

Even many years ago, unpolished, raw granite stones were used in construction.

With the growth of mining & processing activity of granite stones in south India.

The demand for these grew and they have many uses  -

Flooring

Steps

Cladding

Counter tops

Skirting, etc.

Granite is available in 60 to 70 shades and prices range from Rs. 50 a square feet to Rs. 500 .

 It is available in different finishes

Polished

Fflamed

Antique

Leather or Lappato.

Apart from the stones sourced from the mines in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Orissa, Coimbatore also gets granite from Norway and Ireland. These are high-end stones witnessing more demand for residential projects.

The granite processing factories in the Tamilnadu State are mostly unorganised and 7 or 8 are located in and around Coimbatore.

There are nearly 50 outlets that sell granite products & number is only increasing as the use of granite is expanding to rural & semi-urban areas.

It is used in almost all buildings - residential & commercial and the application is more in corridors, steps & kitchen counters as natural stones can withstand load.

Granite is also used outdoors in gardens as unpolished, raw stones and as interior products

- Sinks

Statues

Vases, etc.

However, making products from the stones is labour intensive and are hence, expensive.

When customers choose a granite stone, they need to specify that they need natural colouring and direct polishing.

Flats

With the concept of multi-storeyed apartments catching on &  the delivery schedule for projects coming down, the preference of granites for flooring has seen a drop in the recent years & is mostly for independent houses.

Unlike other cities in the Tamilnadu State, Above 80% of the workforce in Coimbatore for laying granites is from the northern States.

They were already trained in the marble sector. The granite sector needs standards & uniform policy to give a boost to usage.

About the author

Mr.M. Raja is Secretary at Coimbatore Marble and Granite Association

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