By Admin | Sep 14, 2020 | Tombstone |

Why Indian headstone suppliers are better than China?

India and China are two countries that have been supplied granite and other stones for headstones across various countries. Technology might have changed a lot of things and preferences of people as they might want different designs and font for the inscription of someone’s life on a headstone, but the basic material has remained the same for centuries and we believe it to stay the same for the coming years as well. You wouldn’t want to compromise on the quality and durability of a headstone for your loved one, as it will always stand tall and give a memorable and sophisticated look to that person.

Since China and India are walking shoulder to shoulder in the run to provide the best headstone material to several countries, there are certain aspects that vary the two, quality being one the most essential factor.

India is known for quality headstone material like granite. Many countries are purchasing the stone from India, as they have been assured of the product they are buying. The Indian product is more durable in nature and the shine is always there to stay, which is not in the case of the Chinese products. Being the two big players in the industry, they can stand distinct in terms of variety, quality, etc.

Chinese cities including Fujian, Shandong and Guangdong are popular for producing granite, while Indian cities Bangaluru and Rajasthan are the hub cities for granite production.We are experts in supplying and processing granite headstones. We are leading headstones suppliers in India and our factory processes all types of headstones.

A comparative study between the Indian granite and Chinese granite

If you look closely at the granite produced by both India and China, you will find minor differences between the two. But the real comparison can be done once you start using it or get it installed in a place as a headstone. From the richness in colour, to quality and shine of the stone and its durability, there is a lot that can be held as points of differentiation between the two. Let’s take a look at the differentiating points between the headstones offered by India and by China:

• 1. Strength and durability : One reason why people chose the Indian granite for a headstone, rather than going for a Chinese one is because the former is more durable and comes clean without any hairline crack. The latter might shine bright but has a fine hairline crack, between the design, which cannot be noticed with the naked eye. Any stone with a crack is weak as compared to the ones that are totally fixed. There are always two types of granite, one that is weak in quality as the makers compromise on its making and sell it on lower price, while the other one is expensive and good quality.
• 2. Lustrous : All that seems glittery and shiny might just be the best! Ask why? The quality of a granite is quite visible form the lustrous surface but not as one as those that are oiled for hiding the cracks. China might be supplying the shiniest headstones to the world, but there are high chances of them saving money in the production phase by making it out of cheap quality and giving it maximum shone by rubbing oil on it. This removes all the defects from the stone and hides the cracks, leaving it attractive to the eye. However, if compared with the Indian headstone, you might be able to figure out that the Chinese stone is pale and dull and compared to the stone provided by India. What will be more favourable for you? A shine headstone that might fall easily as it is full of defects, or a durable stone that will stay as it for years?
• 3. Colour : How many colours of granite headstone do you think you can choose from? There are plenty of them available in the Indian market. From black to beige, gold and brown, there are so many options to choose from. The quality is one thing that these markets have never compromised irrespective of the color of the headstone or the size.
• 4. Density : Indian markets produce granite headstones that are dense and produce ringing sound when you tap on its surface. A person will be able to differentiate between the quality through the density of the stone. The granite headstones produced by China are comparatively less dense, and this can be proved by tapping on them. The sound is louder and clearer with no vibrations. This means that the stone lacks good quality.

Chinese quality issues when selling

Quality analysis of a granite stone for the production of headstones for graveyards is necessary as it holds sentiments and one does not want to alter it again and again. China might have been selling all sorts of granite slabs for the production of headstones all across the globe, without checking for the quality. Therefore, one should be aware of how this is going to become a liability in the long run. There are a lot of factors through which you can analyse the quality of granite stones. Some of these parameters are as listed below:

• - Pitting
• - Thickness
• - Density
• - Marking
• - Colours
• - Stone veins
• - Stone texture

The buyers have become smart these days and do their research before purchasing a product. There are several things that attribute to the quality of a fine stone and there of course are ways to check the quality of a granite stone used for several purposes including the production of headstones. We are now going to share a proper step-by-step criterion for checking the quality of the stone:

• 1. - Level 1 is a granite stone of low grade mostly used by builders in their projects. Mostly produces and sold by China to other countries in big batches, these are granite slabs of 3/8 inches and are maximum used in buildings and apartments.
• 2. - Level 2 is the mid level granite slabs which are mostly produced in countries like India and Brazil. The thickness of this stone is ¾ inch.
• 3. - Finally, the third level of granite is high grade granite which outshines the others and is known for its fine and superior quality. It can be found in almost all colours and the veins are visible. This thickness of this type of granite is also ¾.

The above distinction clearly explains where to buy granite stone slabs from if you are seeking for quality over quantity. While India takes care of the industry standards and each aspect, China believes in sending out their low quality products. People in U.S. don’t like to compromise on quality when it comes to getting headstones made to honor their loved ones. Here’s why people don’t like to purchase granite stone from China:

• - The granite exported from China can he a health hazard as these emits residues of uranium and radon gas. One would be continuously exposed to radiation with the installation of these stones in graveyards or homes.
• - Secondly the Chinese import stones contain residues of potassium along with radioactive isotopes which can cause some serious radiation, which is much higher than the normal radiation anywhere.
• - It is stated that the granite exported by China is cheap in quality which is not at all fit to be used in the houses. Although the price of the stone is the cheapest as compared to any other stones in the world, but the buyers are compromising on their health and fitness with the purchase of this. Rather, they should spend on the granite made in India for a better quality and long lasting product.

Colors variants available in Indian and China

India is a hub for granite headstones and therefore it has several options available for the buyers to choose from. The number of options and variants available in India is quite high than that form China.

States like Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh are among those that produce granite stone slaps in large quantities. There are a lot of color options available in the market of headtsones. Take a look at them below:

• - Black granite : Variations of black include absolute black, black galaxy, jet black, nova black and black forest
• - Brown granite: Variations include ivory brown, brown tan, coffee brown, desert brown and Z brown
• - Red granite: Variations include Jhansi red, smoka red and Lakha red
• - Blue granite: Variations are imperial blue, topaz blue, koliwada blue and lavender blue
• - Yellow granite: It includes variations such as colonial cream, ivory fantasy and crystal yellow
• - Green granite: Apple green and French green are of its variations
• - Pink granite: Strawberry pink, English teak and rosy pink are some shared available in pink
• - Grey granite: Its variations include the likes of steel grey and jubilee grey
• - White granite: These include the likes of imperial white, river white and viscon white
• - Gold granite: variations are imperial gold, ivory gold and desert gold

Colors of headstones made in China are as listed below:

• - Pink granite :
• - Red granite: Including variations such as red dragon, fantasy granite and dark color maple red granite
• - Blue granite: This one includes variations like Volga blue, star blue, crystal granite and blue crystal granite
• - Yellow granite: It includes the likes of Diamond yellow, Giallo Cecillia among others
• - Grey granite: The variations of this includes Steel grey, jewellery blue and Chinese blue pearl
• - Green granite: Cactus granite, CD green and butterfly green are the variations of colors available in this one.

China purchasing granite from India for headstones

India has been producing some good quality granite since time immemorial and China has been very keen on purchasing it from the former country. While most granite produced in China is exported to other countries, it makes sure to import the material from India as India stands foremost when it comes to he quality. Here are some features that make Indian granite headstones superior than the rest of the world:

• 1. There is a lot of variety available of the headstones in terms of colours, textures, etc.
• 2. The granite produced in India is highly decorative.
• 3. It is resistant of erosion, therefore more durable.
• 4. Weather-resistance is another factor that adds to its durability.
• 5. They’re also abrasive resistant.

China majorly purchases granite from India, processes the same and sells it at a reasonable rate to the rest of the world. The total amount of granite exported from India in the year 2018-18 alone amounted to $ 1.6 billion, out of which China alone bought it worth $ 444 million. The factory made stones are not just meant for marble, flooring and tiling, there are a lot more uses of the stone. It is carved into fancy pieces of headstones to lay at the graveyard. Sculptures are made out of it which are used at the graveyards again.

China has been benefitting a lot from the granite stones it purchases from India, as they buy it on nominal rates, process the material and sell it off to U.S. It has been trading the material for buildings and headstones to the U.S. and been making good money out of it. On the contrary, India has been shelling out the good quality product in the stone trade with China. Since China is like a middle man in the trade, India should directly export the granite stone slabs to U.S. and enter into a deal with them directly. This will also help the economy to rise higher than expected.

China has taken over the granite market with its processed market. It has been able to win a trade war from countries like Italy and Spain. However, it is still in competition with India and Brazil and China could never beat these countries when it came to quality. India has a set standard of producing granite and the items used in the making. The finished product of each country varies because of the soil difference in each one of them. Therefore, the colour provided by each country varies.

The Chinese granite is not of their own, it is imported from other parts of the world, including India, processed under special conditions, given final touches and sold to other countries. U.S. is one of the biggest importer of Chinese granite.

Replacing the granite stones in case of defects

India has been quite open about taking feedbacks of their products and replacing those with newer and better products so as to maintain a balance between their trade and earn a reputation in the global market.

The finished product is mostly shipped from India to other countries on ships, because of the weight issues it can’t be exported via air. However, there are times when the products get manhandled on the way or some products are not up to the expectations of the buyer. That is the time when the buyers get in touch with the seller and tell them to replace it. The Indian producers of granite have been quite open about exchanging their products. The second shipment can include the replacements of the products that were defected in the previous shipment. This helps in building trust amongst the people abroad and helps the Indian companies gain loyal customers.

As in the case of China, which is already processing the already produced granite, they are not up for exchanging their products. Even on the persistence of the buyer after witnessing a defect in any of the pieces, it is very hard for anyone to get the product exchanged or returned. Therefore, the buyers should give it a second though before contacting the Chinese traders.

Indian granite producers offer great care to the product delivery, therefore the packaging is such that the product remains safe until it reached the importers. The products exported from India are therefore on point without many damages. However, Chinese producers of granite stones for monuments do not believe in a firm packaging. Since they are not liable for any loses and damages of the products, the packaging is compromised on.

This is what has made India stand ahead of China when it comes to transporting the products from one place to another.

Final word

The granite stone is known for its properties and have seen an exponential growth in the past couple of years in the construction sector. Several Hindu temples in the south of country are built with the use of granite stones and have been standing tall for so many years now. Most public places and malls have given the finishing touch of granite to their buildings. While the stone has been in use for several years, there have been many tools like CNC machines and jet cutting machines with the help of which one can easily make headstones for graves and place them on the grave of their loved ones. From giving a definite shape to inscribing letter and making sculptors, there is a lot that can be done with the help of granite stone.

The users have to learn about the potential about the stone and use it accordingly. However, one must be sure of the quality of the granite stone as the Chinese granite that is exported worldwide lacks in terms of quality and might give you surprises while its usage. Therefore, most of the wealthy and affluent people the U.S. prefer buying Indian or Brazilian granite for headstones, than purchasing it from China.

Granite is known today because of its technological advancements and the number of purposes it can be used for. From being used for monuments and buildings, one can also use these as headstones and sculptors.We as headstone manufacturers understand that it is always hard to lose a loved one, and we hope that Stoneagis Headstones can make choosing the right memorial as easy as possible.The export of the stone has grown in the recent years and other countries have started realising the convivence of using the stone and the fact that it is durable than any other stones.

Leave a Comment