Natural Stones of India
India possesses a wide spectrum of natural stones in various parts of the country that include granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, slate, quartzite, basalt, soap stone, travertine, stone chips, pebbles and cobbles. India has varieties of granite in over 250 shades, granite reserves in India is 37,426 million cubic metres and ranked fifth in export of processed product. Marble was used for building tombs, temples and palaces, for a time it was considered as royal stone. It is, however, now used in hotels and homes too. There are many varieties sandstone from India is available in different colors for interior as well as exterior use, India is among the leading countries when it comes to mining and export of sandstone. Limestones are extensively utilised for manufacturing of cement and also building stones, particularly flooring, panelling and roofing . The huge deposits of basalt in India are used as building stones since ancient times. Trade shows in India related to natural stones is Stone Mart, Stone India and Ace Tech, specialised exhibition for building materials, architectural innovations and design products.
