Stone of the Year
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.
Past “Stone of the Year” recipients
2025 – Crystallo Rare
2024 – Calacatta Lincoln marble by Colorado Stone Quarries
2023 – Namib Bianco marble by Best Cheer Stone, Inc.
2022 – Olympian White Danby marble by Vermont Quarries
2021 – Calacatta Columbus marble by Granitos Zucchi
2020 – Tesoro Bianco marble by Granitos Zucchi
2019 – Labradorite Bianca by Sun Minerals Madagascar
2018 – Desert Beige Marble by Egymar International and International Marble Company
2017 – Las Vegas Rock by Cereser & Las Vegas Rock
2016 – Lundhs Blue by Lundhs
2015 – White Diamond by Cereser
2014 – Rossette by TAB India Granites Pvt Ltd
2013 – Bethel White by Rock of Ages
2012 – Echo Lake by Coldspring
2011 – Irish Green by Antolini Luigi
2010 – German Greenstone by JMS
2009 – Vermont Verde Antique by Vermont Verde Antique LLC
2008 – Masi Quartzite
2007 – PP4 Black Granite by Gem Granites
2006 – Kasota Valley Limestone by Coldspring
2005 – Giallo Corallo by Testi Group
2004 – Silver Cloud Imperial by Fletcher Granite
2003 – Sequoia by Testi Group
2002 – Golden Vyara
2001 – Black Saint Laurent
2000 – Glacier Bluff Minnesota Stone by Vetter Stone Company
1999 – Sunset Red by Coldspring
1998 - Verde Issorie
1997 – Scheherazade Vein by New Mexico Travertine
1996 – Tadoussac by Granicor
1995 - Bianca Rosa
To inquire about sponsoring a future Stone of the Year, contact Marcella Prado at marcella@naturalstoneinstitute.org.
Starting in 2022, the Stone of the Year will alternate between North American companies (even years) and International (odd years).
