Thompson Memorials Talk About Granite Headstones

Thompson Memorials design, manufacture and install granite headstones using the highest quality granite available from around the world. The combination of their experience and their investment in the latest technology provides the means to blend traditional and modern skills, thus offering their customers maximum choice at a competitive price. They have a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and bylaws that make the purchase and manufacture of a granite headstone a process of dignity and respect, and their strict quality control and performance attributes guarantee a headstone of the highest quality.

This month they talk about why they use granite, the earth’s oldest building material. As they explain it, granite is quite literally as old as the earth.  It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond and is an igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery beginnings.  However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure.  Over the eons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface.

Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations and, typically revealed by outcrops, these deposits have been discovered on all of the continents. This durability makes granite the ideal material for memorials ensuring the required longevity.  Granite is sourced from many continents around the world and although they differ in quality and crystalline structure all granites have three essential minerals in common. These minerals occur in varying proportions giving granite its own natural colour, texture and structural characteristics.

In addition, hornblende, magnite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique colouration and texture of each granite deposit.   With a natural material like granite a certain amount of "movement" or grain in the stone must be expected.  Many people find this blending of colours to be the most compelling reason for using granite for their headstones. 

For more information on Thompson Memorials and their stone memorials and headstone designs please go to http://www.thompsonmemorials.co.nz.