Granite
The term "Granite" is derived from the Latin word "Granum" meaning "grain" because of its granular nature. Rajasthan is well known since time immemorial for its building and dimensional stones like Marble, Sandstone, Limestone, Slate, etc. Recently granite has also been added to this list.
Granite occupies a prominent place among dimensional stones on account of its hardness, durability, capability to take mirror polish and fascinating colours. As such the use of granite has increased many fold as dimensional and decorative stone all over the world and this has created a good export market for Indian Granite.
Granite has a 95% share in India's dimensional stone export. The export of high value added items like tiles, polished slabs and monument stones has increased by over 50% average growth rate per year.
Geographical Distribution
Rajasthan is richly endowed with large reserves of different varieties of granite spread over in 23 districts of the state. More than 200 localities of granite have been identified so far. The important districtwise locations are given below.
BHILWARA: Gyangarh-Thana-Phakoliya, Katar, Bor-Ka-Bariya, Janarda, Dhaneri, Naya Talab, Sabadara, Nareli, Charon-Ka-Bariya, Karera, Dhani-Somani, Dhikola, Badnor, Bheru Khera, Kidimal, Udai Ram Ji Ka Guda, Rampuria, Shivpura, etc.
BANSWARA : Mungthali, Sageta, Thikria, Ganoda, Pipalkhunt, Jhupel.
UDAIPUR : Gingala, Unthala, Udai Sagar, Dakan-Kotra, Jaisamand, Salumber, Jhalara, Saira, Padrada, Kagwas, Moanda, Modi-Bathera, Kanor.
RAJSAMAND : Lasani, Sanora-Ka-Bariya, Isharmand, Malkot, Kakroda, Kalalon Ki Anti, Bachhariya, Kania Kheda.
CHITTAURGARH : Gangrar, Soniana, Khuntia, Ganeshpura, Nimbahera, Chhoti Sadri.
DUNGARPUR : Ramgarh, Punawali-Bokarsal.
Classification
Granites are classified under four grades depending upon the compressive strength and abrasive resistance as specified below :
| Designation Grade | Compressive Strength (kg/cm2 mini.) |
Abrasion Value (% max.) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2,200 | 32 |
| B | 1,800 | 36 |
| C | 1,400 | 40 |
| D | 1,000 | 45 |
Status of Granite Industries
A large number of granite based processing units are operating in Rajasthan including many processing units of large and imported Gangsaws. Some of these are totally export oriented units. A number of tiny/small tiling plants are also in operation. Units are mainly located at Jalore, Sikar, Abu Road, Alwar, Jhnjhunu, Jaipur, Banswara, Shahpura, Ajmer, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Badnor, Devgarh, Raipur, Pali, Jodhpur etc.
During 2017-18, 30.90 lacs ton of Granite was produced in Rajasthan. In our Region the Granite production as under :-
| District | Lease | Production (Ton) |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasmand | 90 | 4,08,822 |
| Udaipur | 5 | 7,582 |
| Bhilwara | 161 | 5,40,000 |