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The Most Comprehensive A to Z Terminology of Granite
The use of granite in construction is nothing new as it has been used in the world for several years. Despite being here among us for such a long time, not everyone is well aware of the terms being commonly used in relation to it. For your reference, we have come up with a guide that would help you decode the most common terms associated with granite. So, let’s start and take a look.
A: Abrasive
This has to do with the sandblasting procedure since cutting is done by the abrasive material. Common abrasives include sand (though this is being used less and less these days due to health and environmental concerns); aluminum oxide; silicone carbide; steel grit; plastic media like acrylic and polyester; and even glass beads and walnut shells.
B: Bench
A granite memorial bench is a type of seating that is placed in a cemetery or memorial garden. At Regatta Granites India, we have a great deal of experience creating and exporting different types and sizes of granite benches.
C: Columbarium
A carefully made building with nooks or spaces to hold cremated remains. It’s an above-ground burial environment that offers families a dignified and well-organized location to memorialize their loved ones.
D: Diamond Wire Saw
Diamond wire saw is essentially a wire-based saw that is made using diamonds. It is primarily meant for cutting and grinding hard substances, such as concrete, stone, and metal. It is also used in jewelry making and other things.
E: Etching
It refers to a method of engraving complex patterns, words, or images on granite surfaces using acid or a laser.
F: Flashing
Flashing is a technique used to remove the polished finish from granite; it is sometimes referred to as frosting.
G: Grass Marker
A flat, level memorial in a cemetery. Usually constructed of stone or bronze, it is positioned flush with the ground.
H: Honed
It refers to the act of giving granite’s surface a satin- or matte-like sheen by smoothing and finishing it.
I: Inscription
The words or artwork etched on a granite monument, frequently used to honor a person or occasion.
J: Joint
The surface of dressed and cut stone, usually referring to the base of the major monument part, where two pieces of stone are connected together.
K: Keystone
A stone in the shape of a wedge set at the top of an arch, which holds the other stones in place.
L: Lithichrome
A substance that resembles paint that is used on panels, carvings, or text to change or enhance the natural contrast or color. The product allows for customisation with a variety of colors and tones.
M: Monument
A structure or tablet, usually found in cemeteries, that is built of stone slabs or blocks and goes by a variety of names, including memorials, headstones, and gravestones.
N: Nosings
Utilized in two situations. It describes any stone that protrudes past the primary surface line of a monument. It can indicate the front or top surface on slant markers.
O: Ogee
A unique and elaborate architectural design element that has a curve that resembles an extended “S” shape and gradually changes from a concave to a convex form. Frequently seen in moldings, arches, and other adornments.
P: Porosity
The stain resistance of granite is influenced by its degree of liquid absorption.
Q: Quarrying
The method of extracting granite slabs or blocks from a quarry, frequently done by drilling and large gear.
R: Restoring
The procedure used to preserve, clean, and repair old or worn granite monuments in order to give them back their original look. Find out more about repairing granite.
S: Sandblasting
The act of rubbing abrasive materials—like sand or grit—against granite to produce inscriptions, patterns, or textures. Learn more about our sandblasting services for granite.
T: Tablet
The primary portion of a monument devoid of decoration or writing.
U: Unpolished Granite
The term used to describe granite that has been sawn but not further finished. Compared to polished granite’s glossy finish, it offers a more understated and airy appearance.
V: Veining
The fine lines or streaks of contrasting colors that make up granite’s inherent patterns.
W: Water Jet Cutting
A technique for cutting complex patterns and shapes out of granite using high-pressure water mixed with abrasives.
X: Xenolith
A xenolith is a piece of rock that cools and solidifies and then gets encased in an igneous rock, like granite.
Y: Yardstick
This was once widely used in the granite industry to precisely measure and cut granite slabs.
Z: Zoning
Granite use in building and monument installations is frequently subject to rules and codes that outline where and how it may be utilized.