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The Memorialist: Be Careful About Generic Terms for Black Granite

Author: Burton Fletcher
Publication Date: 2005-12

Our client spoke up expressing adamantly, and offering little room for discussion, “We want China Black.” ‘Oh boy,’ I thought, ‘this person has been listening to monument builders who are using generic terms to describe granite.’

I explained to the client that ‘China Black’ is a generic term and is often used to describe a wide variety of colors and grades of black granites. As if to undermine my experience, the client stated, “All black granite looks the same from five feet away.” This was not an argument I was going to win by saying, “That’s not true!”

We mailed the client samples of two types of granite, Premium India Black and Premium Shanxi Black. Upon receipt of the samples, the client called us back asking for a quote for the Premium India Black. The client flip-flopped based upon personal observation of both samples side by side.

Not all granite is the same, and whether you prefer Premium India Black or Premium Shanxi Black is irrelevant to me. I like both, and different folks can disagree upon their preferences.

Keep an open mind during the selection process and listen to someone who knows what they are talking about and not just attempting to sell you what they have in stock. We sell both granites. I selected Shanxi Black for my personal memorial; however, I also like Premium India Black, which does not show any white speckles.

Again, when someone offers to sell you China Black, ask them about the trade name for the granite and country of origin, and look at a sample. Be sure to use caution in the purchasing process. After all, it is the right thing to do!


About Burton Fletcher:  Burton Fletcher, with over 20 years’ business experience, owns USAMonuments.com.    He is a nationally published expert, frequently writing on monument building and memorialization.    He designs, builds, ships and installs across the United States and Canada.     Reach Burton at 229.245.8858 or e-mail to Burton@ValdostaMemorials.com for your memorialization needs.

© Burton Fletcher 2005 All Rights Reserved.

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