2026 Stone of the Year: Virginia Black Granite
Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, January 15, 2025 — Virginia Black stands out for its imposing aesthetics and high technical performance. With a deep black tone and homogeneous texture, the material conveys sophistication, modernity, and timeless appeal, making it a striking choice for high-end architectural projects. Renowned for its high resistance, durability, and stability, Virginia Black is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and façades. Its mineral composition ensures excellent performance even in high-traffic areas, along with long-term ease of maintenance. As part of the Gramazini portfolio, Virginia Black undergoes rigorous selection and processing standards, ensuring consistent quality and uniformity. Versatile and elegant, the material enhances a wide range of design styles—from contemporary to classic—adding character and aesthetic value to the most demanding environments.
Physical/Mechanical Properties:
- Absorption per ASTM C97, % by weight: 0.16%
- Density per ASTM C97, lbs/ftÑ [kg/mÑ]: 189.9 [3,042]
- Modulus of Rupture per ASTM C99, lbs/inÇ [MPa]: 4,170 [28.8]
- Compressive Strength per ASTM C170, lbs/inÇ [MPa]: 30,100 [208]
- Flexural Strength per ASTM C880, lbs/inÇ [MPa]: 3,800 [26.2]
- Abrasion Resistance per ASTM C241, Ha: 29.3
Description and Physical/Mechanical Properties provided to the Natural Stone Institute by Gramazini.
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About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.
