Chinese Granite

Chinese Granite: What We Supply

Chinese granite is a natural igneous dimension stone supplied from Chinese quarries and processing plants as slabs, tiles, pavers, kerbs, cladding panels and cut-to-size work. Importers, architects and project buyers specify it by model code or trade name, colour, finish and thickness, with samples, test data and packing agreed before production.

Our range covers model-coded G654 and G682, Absolute Black and Black Galaxy, and trade-named browns, golds and lights including Baltic Brown, Bainbrook Brown, Black Forest Gold, Bianco Sardo and Misty Yellow. We quote slabs, tiles, paving, kerbs, cladding panels, countertops and project cut-to-size.

Factory-direct Chinese granite is typically priced 30-50% below domestic slab-yard wholesale for equivalent grades, and G654 and Absolute Black grades are the current volume leaders in our cost guide [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Some of that advantage comes from processing imported blocks in China: Absolute Black is quoted as an Indian block processed in China, and Black Galaxy is also processed in China [source: stone-phoenix.com].

A G-code is a trade reference, not a geological certificate. Two stones sold under similar names can differ in hardness, absorption, grain and working behaviour, so our quotation names the code or trade name, the quarry or district, the grade, the finish and the thickness.

The Granite Range We Quote

The table below covers the principal varieties in our current granite range. It is a quotation guide, not a fixed stock list: availability moves by block, format and finish, and the current offer is confirmed against your enquiry.

We also quote Bainbrook Brown, Black Forest Gold, Bianco Sardo and Misty Yellow as named selections. Each is confirmed against the current block list and approved on a physical sample before production; the names describe commercial selections, not geological species.

Reading G654, G682 and the G-Code System

G-codes are commercial identifiers used by the Chinese granite trade. They help buyers reorder a familiar material, but they do not replace a full description; the same code can be sold with different grades, finishes and thicknesses, and the stone behind it can change when a quarry changes hands.

G654 Sesame Grey is a dark grey granite in the entry price tier of our countertop cost guide, alongside Tan Brown and Ubatuba. It is used for paving, kerbs, steps and cladding, and it appears in a documented Berlin office project as a 30mm facade panel [source: stone-phoenix.com]. At 2cm, the FOB reference is $25-$35/m²; at 3cm, it is $35-$50/m² [source: stone-phoenix.com]. A 20ft container of G654 at 2cm commonly carries about 400-500 m², and at those FOB prices it lands at roughly $40-$55/m² in the US before fabrication, against $60-$90/m² at domestic slab yards [source: stone-phoenix.com].

G682 Padang Yellow is the warm yellow member of the range, supplied as slabs, paving and setts with flamed surfaces common outdoors. The FOB reference is $28-$40/m² at 2cm and $38-$55/m² at 3cm [source: stone-phoenix.com]. G654 and G682 are not interchangeable: the colour, price and typical application differ.

Absolute Black and Black Galaxy: One Name, Two Very Different Stones

Black granite is a commercial category. True granite is composed of quartz, light-coloured feldspar and mica and is typically light in colour; much of the stone sold as black granite is dolerite, basalt or gabbro. ASTM C119 permits these dark igneous rocks to be sold as black granite, so a black stone may be a dolerite [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Absolute Black is the reference for a uniform black field. The Karnataka material is a dolerite; after polishing, it shows no visible crystal boundaries and reads as a continuous mirror-black surface. Its reported properties are Mohs 6-7, density of approximately 2,800-3,000 kg/m³ and water absorption of approximately 0.05-0.30% [source: stone-phoenix.com]. The absorption figure should be tested for the delivered lot and not transferred to another black stone.

Absolute Black is also a category name. India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and China all produce material sold under it, and quality varies by quarry. A quotation that says only Absolute Black has not identified the source, grade or batch, so we ask for the quarry or district and approve a sealed sample from the production lot.

Black Galaxy is a gabbric anorthosite, not a true granite, and its gold flecks are iron-rich enstatite. Reported hardness is approximately 4.5 on the Mohs scale, below the 6-7 band normally associated with granite [source: stone-phoenix.com]. It is more easily scratched than Absolute Black, so we disclose the hardness and agree where it will be used.

Supply is also constrained at large format. Only 30-40% of production reaches large gang-saw size, defined as slabs above 2.40 m × 1.20 m × 1.00 m, and quarrying is spread across approximately 40 sites over 400+ acres [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Plan the format and spares before ordering.

Slabs, Tiles, Pavers and Cut-to-Size

Slab is the base export format. A standard slab is 240×120cm, about 25 sq ft, and the thickness is quoted per line item. Common thicknesses are 2cm, 3cm and a custom 4-6cm. The 2cm material is typically 20-30% cheaper than 3cm; 3cm is the North American standard and needs no substrate, while 2cm usually needs a plywood substrate built up to 3cm total height in countertop work. Custom 4-6cm material jumps 40-80% over 3cm because of weight and fabrication time [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Cut-to-size work is a fabrication instruction, not a separate material. The drawing should show dimensions, edge profile, sink and hob cut-outs, vein direction, joint layout and piece numbers. Thickness should be measured at the edge and at the centre, and if a tolerance of ±1 mm is required, it should be written into the order [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Large-format availability is not universal. Black Galaxy is the clearest example, with only 30-40% of production reaching gang-saw size above 2.40 m × 1.20 m × 1.00 m, so confirm the measured size rather than a nominal size and allow for seams and replacement pieces.

Countertops, Islands and Vanity Tops

Granite is a 100% natural igneous stone with a reported Mohs hardness of 6-7. It resists ordinary kitchen scratches and is typically specified where heat exposure and durability matter. It does not etch like marble, and acid resistance is good when sealed; oil-based stains can still penetrate if sealing lapses [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Absolute Black is a strong choice for a uniform black worktop because its polished surface has no visible crystal boundaries. Its absorption range of approximately 0.05-0.30% is the only verified absorption range for the black varieties in our data set, and it should still be tested for the batch. Black Galaxy can be used where the gold fleck is wanted, but at Mohs approximately 4.5 it is more scratch-prone.

Thickness follows the application. A 3cm top is the North American standard and is stronger for islands and unsupported overhangs. A 2cm top is lighter and often used with a built-up substrate; the material is cheaper, but the substrate and labour reduce the saving. Custom 4-6cm tops should be engineered for weight and support.

Edge profiles belong on the fabrication drawing. Eased edges are the baseline; bullnose, bevel, ogee, mitered and waterfall edges add fabrication time and, in some cases, extra material.

Granite slabs weigh roughly 20-25 lbs per sq ft, so a large island is a handling problem before it is an installation problem. Confirm lifting access, piece count and seam positions. Fabricators typically add 10-15% overage for cutting waste; confirm that this is not double-charged in the square-metre price. Annual sealing is commonly recommended, with pH-neutral cleaning and prompt cleanup of oil and acidic spills [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Paving, Driveways, Kerbs and Steps

Granite setts and cubes are the usual professional choice for driveways and high-traffic paths. Their compressive strength is reported at 19,000+ psi, and granite with water absorption below 0.3% is a strong freeze-thaw specification when the base and drainage are right [source: stone-phoenix.com]. The stone choice supports the application; it does not repair a bad base.

For vehicle loads, the minimum thickness is 60mm for cars and SUVs, 80mm for occasional trucks and 100mm+ for commercial or heavy vehicles. The base should be at least 8 inches of compacted angular crushed stone for a residential driveway, and 12 inches or more for commercial use or heavy clay soils. Joints run 8-15mm and are filled with kiln-dried sand or a permeable jointing compound, with edge restraint to stop vehicles pushing the paving outward. Drainage should fall at least 1/4 inch per foot away from structures [source: stone-phoenix.com].

G654 and Absolute Black at 50mm are common driveway specifications. Setts at 100×100×100mm are the traditional cube format, and kerbs of 150×300mm and larger define edges and changes of level. For steps, a riser of 100-180mm, a tread of 280-350mm and a 30-50mm tread thickness are practical references, with a 1-2% slope and a flamed or bush-hammered finish for wet grip [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Paving FOB pricing in our guide runs $15-$35/m² for granite, sandstone and basalt. G654 and G682 are listed at $4-$7 per sq ft material-only, while premium granite such as Absolute Black and Blue Pearl is $7-$15 per sq ft [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Those are planning references; thickness, finish, calibration and quantity move the number.

Allow 5-8% extra for cuts and waste. Honed paving is typically resealed every 12-18 months, while flamed and natural surfaces may be sealed optionally every 2-3 years. Avoid pressure washing above 1500 PSI, which can strip sealer and erode joints [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Wall Cladding and Facades

Granite cladding is a non-load-bearing veneer. Interior panels are typically 15-30mm thick, exterior panels 30-50mm, and large-format panels of 120×240cm and larger are increasingly common. Finishes include polished, honed, flamed and bush-hammered, and the choice changes both colour reading and surface performance [source: stone-phoenix.com].

For exterior work, the criteria are water absorption, frost resistance, flexural strength and colour stability. Granite with absorption below 0.3% is a defensible freeze-thaw specification, and its compressive strength of 19,000+ psi is well above softer stones. Flexural strength should be tested to ASTM C880, and the selection reference is ASTM C1242 [source: stone-phoenix.com].

A documented Berlin office project used 30mm G654 panels on a ventilated rainscreen with a 4,200 m² facade and 1,500 m² of lobby flooring. More than 5,800 precision-cut panels were CE-marked with a Declaration of Performance and batch-tested for flexural strength to ASTM C880 [source: stone-phoenix.com]. The project is a useful reference for a document set, not a claim that every facade needs the same system.

Granite cladding is non-combustible and can contribute to a Class A rating over a non-combustible substrate [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Factory-direct granite cladding is typically 30-50% below domestic wholesale, with FOB pricing from $15-$40/m² for granite panels [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Large-format panels cost more to fabricate and handle, and a complex facade with many openings carries more engineering and packing cost than the stone price suggests.

Maintenance is mainly about the system. Inspect joints and anchors annually, reseal open joints every 5-10 years, keep drainage paths clear, and wash with water and a soft brush. Avoid acid washing and pressure washing above 1500 PSI [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Memorial and Monument Work

Absolute Black's uniform mirror-black field is relevant where a memorial face should read as a single continuous surface. A memorial order should state the grade, the grain or crystal class where the supplier uses one, the density for the lot, the dimensions and the finish. Density is a logistics number as well as a material number: Shanxi Black at 2.9-3.2 g/cm³ weighs roughly 58-64 kg per m² at 20mm and 87-96 kg per m² at 30mm, and the difference between the low and high end is roughly 10% of the load on every lift [source: stone-phoenix.com].

A polished face is the usual starting point because it gives lettering a clear background and resists surface dirt. The grade and grain class matter more than the name: two stones sold as the same black granite can differ in crystal size and uniformity, and a memorial face makes that difference visible. Our tombstone range, including Shanxi Black, China Black and Absolute Black selections, is covered on the tombstone page.

Finishes and Surface Selection

Finish is part of the specification because it changes slip resistance, maintenance, colour reading and price. A polished and a honed face from the same block can read as different stones in one room, so name the finish in the enquiry.

Slip performance is a function of the finish and service condition, not the stone name. Our verified data does not include a coefficient of friction, so where slip is part of the safety case, test the actual finish and state the acceptance criterion. Eased edges are the baseline for countertops; bullnose, bevel, ogee, mitered and waterfall profiles add fabrication time and, for a waterfall, extra material and a seam plan.

Grade, Test Data and Acceptance Criteria

Granite is covered in our reference list by ASTM C615, and black granite is classified commercially under ASTM C119. Cladding that carries wind load should be supported by flexural data to ASTM C880, with stone selection following ASTM C1242. Those standards are starting points; the report has to describe the batch you are buying [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Do not transfer the Absolute Black absorption range to another granite, and do not use hardness as a proxy for stain resistance, freeze-thaw performance or heat behaviour. Our verified data does not contain a thermal rating, a freeze-thaw cycle count or a fixed service-life figure, so we do not quote one; where heat, frost or chemical exposure is part of the brief, the test protocol belongs in the order.

Grade definitions should be observable. If a supplier uses A/B grades, the order should define base colour, grain size, fleck density where relevant, and the maximum acceptable defect count. If a thickness tolerance of ±1 mm is required, state where the measurement is taken, because a slab edge and centre can give different readings [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Color Control and Batch Consistency

Colour is a procurement control. A photograph cannot represent a granite's colour range, and black stone is unusually sensitive to lighting angle and to whether the surface is wet or dry. Approve a sealed sample from the production lot, keep a copy with both parties, and state the lighting and surface condition used for comparison [source: stone-phoenix.com].

For a multi-container order, reserve blocks for the whole project rather than buying sequentially. Select the blocks together, agree a sealed reference sample, and require a dry-lay photograph or video before shipment. Number panels by installation position and check the layout against the drawing.

Black Galaxy needs an additional control because the gold flecks are the product. Fleck density and distribution are inherent to the block, so approve fleck character on samples that span the block and plan for the 30-40% large-format yield if the project needs matched slabs. Any change of quarry, block source, grade or processing line should trigger a new reference sample and batch report before shipment.

Packing and Container Loading

Packing and loading are part of the specification. A 20ft container of G654 at 2cm commonly carries about 400-500 m², and granite slabs weigh roughly 20-25 lbs per sq ft [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Dense black stone can reach a container payload limit before its volume limit, so the loading plan should quote loaded weight, not only cubic measurement.

Freight and duty belong in the landed-cost model. Our cost guide gives $2,000-$5,500 per 20ft container for ocean freight and 3.7-28.7% duty depending on market and stone, before port charges and inland delivery [source: stone-phoenix.com]. Those are planning ranges; the actual number depends on route, Incoterm and commodity code.

Factory-direct FOB pricing is typically 30-50% below domestic slab-yard wholesale. The G654 example: about 400-500 m² at $25-$35/m² FOB lands at roughly $40-$55/m² in the US before fabrication, against $60-$90/m² at domestic yards [source: stone-phoenix.com]. That is a material saving; it does not cover fabrication, installation or site issues.

Photograph the dry-lay, packed crates and container loading. Those records are the evidence if damage appears in transit or a piece does not match the sample.

Incoming Inspection Checklist

An arrival inspection should be documentary and physical. The checks below can be handed to an inspector and recorded piece by piece.

A repair acceptable on a paving grade can be a reject on a polished countertop or a memorial face, so acceptance follows the grade and location. Quarantine any cracked, repaired or off-sample piece before fabrication begins.

Ordering, Documentation and Lead Time

An enquiry should give the application, stone code or trade name, rock type, quarry or district, grade, format, dimensions, thickness, finish, edge profile, quantity, drawings and inspection requirement. For cladding, add the fixing system, panel layout and any flexural or freeze-thaw test. For countertops, add cut-outs, seam positions and the edge drawing.

Samples and drawings come before production. Approve a sealed reference sample, a shop drawing and, where relevant, a dry-lay layout, and restart the check after any change. That discipline is slower at the front end and faster at the port.

The minimum order depends on the variety and format. We quote per project because a stocked paving item and a made-to-order large-format slab have different production economics; the quotation states the minimum quantity, production schedule and shipping window.

Documentation should travel with the goods: approved sample reference, batch hardness and absorption reports where specified, density record, packing list, loaded weight, inspection report and a numbered layout drawing. EU projects typically also need CE marking and a Declaration of Performance; US projects typically specify ASTM reports [source: stone-phoenix.com]. The documents should identify the batch, not just the product name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which granite varieties can you supply?

Our range includes G654 Sesame Grey and G682 Padang Yellow, Absolute Black, Black Galaxy, Baltic Brown, Bainbrook Brown, Black Forest Gold, Bianco Sardo and Misty Yellow. Availability moves by block and format, so the current stock list is confirmed against your enquiry; each order names the variety, grade, finish and thickness.

What is the difference between G654 and G682?

G654 is a dark grey granite in the entry price tier, used for paving, kerbs, steps and cladding. G682 is a warm yellow granite used for slabs, paving and setts, with flamed surfaces common outdoors. At 2cm, the FOB reference is $25-$35/m² for G654 and $28-$40/m² for G682; at 3cm, it is $35-$50/m² and $38-$55/m² respectively [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Is Absolute Black the same as Black Galaxy?

No. Absolute Black is a black dolerite, typically reported at Mohs 6-7, with a uniform mirror-black field after polishing. Black Galaxy is a gabbric anorthosite with gold flecks of iron-rich enstatite and a reported hardness of approximately 4.5 [source: stone-phoenix.com]. It is more scratch-prone and has a constrained large-format yield.

What thicknesses and formats do you supply?

Standard slabs are 240×120cm, about 25 sq ft, in 2cm, 3cm and custom 4-6cm. We also supply paving in mixed sets such as 600×900, 600×600, 600×300 and 300×300mm, large-format paving at 60×60, 60×90 and 60×120cm, setts at 100×100×100mm, kerbs at 150×300mm and larger, and cut-to-size countertops and cladding panels [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Which finish should I choose for paving and cladding?

Flamed and bush-hammered finishes are commonly used for exterior paving, steps and wet areas. Honed finishes suit interior floors and covered areas, while polished finishes are usually kept for vertical faces and countertops. Approve the actual finish on the actual stone, and test slip where the project requires it.

Can granite be used outdoors in a freeze-thaw climate?

Granite can be specified outdoors, but a trade name alone does not establish freeze-thaw performance. Water absorption below 0.3% is a common target, and the fixing, drainage and exposure should be designed to keep water out. Our verified data does not contain a freeze-thaw cycle count, so a project in a freezing climate should require a test to the agreed method and acceptance criterion [source: stone-phoenix.com].

Do you supply cut-to-size countertops and cladding panels?

Yes. Cut-to-size work includes countertops, vanity tops, cladding panels, step treads and kerbs. We need a shop drawing with dimensions, edge profile, cut-outs, vein direction, joint layout and piece numbers. Thickness is measured at the edge and centre, and a ±1 mm tolerance can be specified [source: stone-phoenix.com].

What test reports and documents come with an order?

We provide the documents specified in the order: batch hardness and absorption reports, density records, ASTM C615 and ASTM C119 references, ASTM C880 flexural data for cladding, the packing list, loaded weight, inspection report and numbered layout drawing. EU projects may also need CE marking and a Declaration of Performance [source: stone-phoenix.com].

What is the minimum order and lead time?

The minimum quantity depends on the variety and format, and we quote it per project rather than publishing one threshold for every stone. Lead time is confirmed after the sample, shop drawing and production slot are agreed, and the order confirmation states the schedule.

Related Guides

• Granite vs Marble vs Quartz
• Granite Countertop Cost Guide
• Natural Stone Paving Guide
• Stone Wall Cladding Design Guide
• Black Granite Varieties

Featured Chinese Granite Varieties

Chinese granite is catalogued by G-code — a trade numbering system, not a geological one. Each code identifies a specific quarry deposit, and two stones with similar names can behave very differently on site. The guides below cover the varieties we produce in the greatest volume, with their test data, finishes, formats and the specification details that matter for each.