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How to check the quality of Black Galaxy Granite?
When it comes to determining the most popular black granites, Black Galaxy Granite appears on the top. Due to its extreme level of versatility, durability, and stunning looks, this granite remains the most preferred choice among architects, construction contractors, builders, and homeowners. The stone carries an inherent visual appeal that gives a royal touch to the place where it is installed. As India is a leading producer of granite, there are many granite manufacturers and suppliers in the country that are known to provide high-quality natural stones like granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, quartz, and others.
Why Black Galaxy Granite?
Before we delve deeper into the topic, it is necessary that we find out what makes this black granite so demanding. There are lots of reasons why people select natural granite for kitchen countertops. Black Galaxy Granite features tons of benefits that almost all natural granite offers. It does, however, have some qualities that make it what it is. For example, look at the following quote made by a famous geologist about Black Galaxy Granite.
A Proterozoic-aged norite from India’s Eastern Ghats Orogenic Belt. This is probably the most popular and attractive black granite available in the commercial decorative stone trade. It has blackish plagioclase feldspar and bronzite pyroxene crystals. Bronzite is orthopyroxene and it has a spectacular copper-colored play of color on cut & polished surfaces (even on broken surfaces). The result is a rock surface reminiscent of sparkling stars in space, hence the commercial name “Black Galaxy”. This rock is quarried in the Chimkurthi area, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh State, southern India.
The composition of Black Galaxy Granite
Just like other natural granite stones, Black Galaxy is primarily composed of natural quartz and/or feldspar. It can have other materials, but the primary minerals remain those only. The minerals that constitute a Black Galaxy Granite slab award it some characteristics that people are attracted to. Some of these qualities result in practical properties for regular use and care.
Here is how to check the quality of Black Galaxy Granite.
Size
Black Galaxy Granite comes in a wide range of sizes. The selection of a particular size of granite slab depends on the final application. Some of the commonly available sizes are:
Gangsaw slabs – 260 x 160 cm up in 2 & 3 cm
Cutter slabs – 180 x 60 cm up in 2 & 3 cm
Tiles – 30×30, 30×60, 60×60 cm
The price of the slab also varies on the chosen size. For example, a gangsaw slab would be costlier than a cutter slab.
Thickness Variation
In most cases, the thickness of granite slabs remains between 2 and 3 cm. The application of a multi-blade small cutter is meant to cut counter-size slabs of Black galaxy Granite where the general thickness difference remains usually 2 to 3 mm in the thickness. As counter slabs are typically used for preparing kitchen countertops, it doesn’t seem a big concern for buyers. But after the use of a multi-blade cutter, the variation hovers nearly 1 mm. If there is a high thickness variation in the slab, its price would go down.
In most cases, the thickness of granite slabs remains between 2 and 3 cm. The application of a multi-blade small cutter is meant to cut counter-size slabs of Black galaxy Granite where the general thickness difference remains usually 2 to 3 mm in the thickness. As counter slabs are typically used for preparing kitchen countertops, it doesn’t seem a big concern for buyers. But after the use of a multi-blade cutter, the variation hovers nearly 1 mm. If there is a high thickness variation in the slab, its price would go down.
Line Inspection of Black Galaxy Granite
Edge Checking
Chipping is a commonly found problem with the edges of granite slabs. Chipped tiles look extremely awkward from the edges. This problem emerges due to improper processing and packing. When the tiles and slabs are cut on automatic machines, the chances of getting such issues are less. Similarly, make sure that the packaging is done using the globally accepted packing procedures.
Bending
No matter whether you choose Absolute Black Granite or Black Galaxy Granite, bends are found to degrade the overall quality of the natural stone. In general, bends are the outcome of the improper processing of slabs. A granite slab can be checked for bends by putting a scale of 3 feet on the back of it. If there is a bend, there will be a visible gap between the scale and the slab surface.
Right Angle Cutting
Though granite manufacturers and suppliers in India take utmost precaution while delivering quality granite products, sometimes, even the best products may have a problem like the right angle cut. If the slabs and tiles are not cut appropriately, they may contain the right angle issue. The right angle issue is big just like the bending issue which is quite common in slabs. To avoid such an issue, it is recommended to process the materials on automated double disc machines that help granite manufacturers to attain a perfect 90-degree angle.
Patterns
Polishing
The Conclusion
There are different types of Black Galaxy Granite available in the market and the cost largely depends on the defects the slab may contain. Whether you are an architect, builder, construction contractor, or even a homeowner, the above-mentioned points would help you determine the quality of a granite slab.