Marble Institute Cutting Edge Newsbriefs

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MIA Offers More Quarry Posters As Part Show Room Promotion Fare
Marble Institute of America (06/02/08)

A stunning series of quality showroom posters featuring magnificent pictures of natural stone quarries has been expanded to twelve. The Marble Institute of America first introduced six quarry posters in 2006, and now, in 2008, another six posters have been added to the collection. The posters are designed to help stone companies promote marble, granite, limestone, travertine and other products. In addition to the latest six quarry posters, MIA has a wide range of point-of-sale materials, books and other merchandise to assist in the showroom marketing process. "Consumers are mesmerized by the sheer magnitude and scope of quarry operations. When we introduced the first six quarry posters two years ago, we received many requests to expand the offering," stated Jim Hieb, MIA special projects director. He added, "We are pleased to offer these and many other types of showroom marketing resources." Suitable for framing (standard frame size 22" x 28"), the poster quarry sets are offered in a variety of packages: Quarry Poster I (set of 6 introduced in 2006) for $90 (MIA Members) or $150 (Non-Members); Quarry Poster II (set of 6 introduced in 2008) for $90 (MIA Members) or $150 (Non-Members); Both Sets (12 posters in total) for $120 (MIA Members or $180 (Non-Members). Posters can be ordered on the MIA website at www.marble-institute.com (MIA Bookstore - Sales & Marketing section), or by calling 440-250-9222.
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MIA Starts Fund To Fight Baseless Attacks on Granite
Marble Institute of America (05/23/08)

The Marble Institute of America announced on May 23 that it has created the "TRUTH ABOUT GRANITE FUND" to help finance a campaign to stop spurious allegations attempting to link granite countertops to the threat of cancer. The fund was launched with a $5,000 inaugural gift from the Natural Stone Council and a matching pledge from Cold Spring Granite of Cold Spring, MN, said Jim Hogan of Carrara Marble Company of America and the current president of MIA. "We know who is behind the spate of misinformation and why they are doing it - to discredit granite and push the sales of quartz-based synthetic stone countertops," Hogan said. "The misinformation campaign is being driven through front groups that purport to be consumer advocates, but are merely trying to create consumer fears about natural stone. We must aggressively fight the unfounded fear mongering to reassure the public." Calling the anti-granite campaign a major threat to the granite portion of the natural stone industry, Hogan said MIA has already invested $50,000 of unbudgeted funds to stem attempts to scare consumers about granite. He said that amount could increase dramatically by year's end. "It is important that we have all the legal, technical, public relations and marketing/advertising tools we need to protect the good name of granite and to reassure consumers that granite is as safe as it is beautiful, durable and practical," Hogan explained. In a letter to MIA members, he stressed that the anti-granite campaign could create substantial financial losses for the industry if it is not challenged aggressively. "Your support is vital," Hogan said in asking for immediate pledges for the fund from quarriers, fabricators, distributors and others in MIA and the rest of the natural stone industry. The Truth About Granite Fund will be a special segregated account whose expenditures will be overseen by the MIA executive committee. Contributions to the fund should be sent to Marble Institute of America/Truth About Granite Fund at 28901 Clemens Rd, Suite 100, Westlake, OH 44145.
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Marble Institute of America; New Study Confirms Commonly Used Granite Is Safe for Countertops
Lab Business Week (06/08/08) P. 1313

A recent study of the most popular granites selected for kitchen countertops in the United States found the stone safe for kitchen installations. The study--intended to determine whether radon gas sometimes given off by natural stone creates any health risk--was published by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and performed by an independent geochemistry researcher. Included in the study were 13 of the leading kinds of granites employed in countertop applications, comprising as much as 85 percent of the granite countertops sold in this country. "Based on the testing results and EPA standards, we can conclude that the most popular granites used as countertop surfaces pose no health threat to homeowners," noted University of Akron geology and civil engineering professor L. L. Chyi. The subject of granite that has radon has come up repeatedly over the years, frequently by makers of radon-detection equipment and manufacturers of synthetic stone countertops. Each time, the MIA and numerous natural stone producing firms have countered by recruiting independent researchers to find out if any possible health risks exist. Studies have consistently confirmed that granite countertops are safe.
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Representatives from the Marble Industries Association, Kupwara, have urged the government of Jammu and Kashmir in India to promote growth within the marble sector. Though the government agreed to revive the industry, it did not immediately consent to requests for lease extensions for existing units. Jora conceded that the marble industry had bolstered the state's economic development and said the government would consequently work to revive the industry.
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Marble Work Goes Ahead Despite Downturn
Hartford Courant (CT) (06/04/08) ; Lender, Jon

The state of Connecticut is replacing the badly deteriorating marble baseboards in its Capitol complex. About 100 yards of black European marble installed in the concourse between the Legislative Office Building and the Capitol is being replaced with black granite. State officials say the $200,000 project is necessary in order to properly maintain the Capitol complex. The black marble baseboards come from the same batch of stone that was replaced in parts of the Legislative Office Building in 2000 that had broken and caused concerns that it might fall on people walking by. The stone also comes from the same quarry in Europe that supplied the black marble in a popular New York landmark. "The Chrysler Building is full of this stuff, and it's been there for 60 or 70 years," says Eric Connery, whose office is controlled by the legislative management committee.
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Granite Gains Popularity Among Homeowners
Shreveport Times (LA) (05/24/08) ; Shephard, Sherry P.

The declining price of granite is increasing the popularity of the stone among homeowners already drawn to its appealing looks and durability. At the Louisiana Granite Yard in Haughton, La., prices for granite start at $24.95 per square foot installed. However, Quintin Hardtner, owner of B&B Cut Stone in Shreveport, says homeowners should keep in mind that the overall price of granite will be determined by several other factors. For example, the type of granite can push the cost of the stone in the range of $50 per square foot to more than $100 per square foot, and exotic colors also cost more. And for an undermount sink, which sits beneath the rim of the cutout, homeowners can expect to pay from $200 to $350 for a polished cutout or $50 to $100 for an unfinished cutout. What is more, special edgings can impact the cost of granite countertops. "There generally are two or three tiers of edge upgrades that will increase the retail cost from $5 to $20 per square foot," according to Hardtner. Granite makes better sense in the kitchen because it will not scratch easily, but it can stain, he adds.
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Slate Enhances California Library
Stone World (06/01/08) ; Stinnard, Michelle

San Francisco-based Echeguren Slate Inc. provided the stone used in the construction of the new San Jose Public Library. The goals of the redesign were to double the size of the original library, make the building feel more like a bookstore, and maintain a visual connection to nature while simultaneously offering a strong civic street presence. Several types of stone were considered, but Echeguren's Kota Brown slate was ultimately selected because it had the desired coloring and texture. The green tones tied in with a garden theme and the stone fit into the project's budget. The interior and exterior walls of the library are covered with large pieces of slate, as is an outdoor feature wall. One challenge for the project designers was to create a specific pattern and cut of stone that would work with the building's other features.
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Sanford Library's June Exhibit Depicts History of Local Stone-Cutting
Foster's Daily Democrat (NH) (06/05/08)

The Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library is hosting an exhibit on the history of stone quarries in York County, N.H. The traveling exhibit includes maps, posters, and framed photos that have been collected over the years. The photos show the equipment used as far back as the 1800s, as well as many of the stone buildings constructed in the area during the 19th century. The display features two posters that portray the Granite Cutters International Union, which was founded in 1877. Dorothea McKenzie, who collected these materials, is working on a map of the exact location of 20 old quarries in York County and the two current granite quarries in Wells and Cape Neddick.
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Let's Develop Clay, Marble and Granite Industries
Modern Ghana (06/01/08)

Ghana Chamber of Mines CEO Joyce Aryee told attendees of the chamber's 80th Annual General Meeting on May 30 that the clay, marble, and granite industries could bolster the country's economy. She encouraged industry representatives to work with policymakers on a plan that would fold clay, marble, and granite into the main mining industry. If policies and preparations are handled now, Aryee believes clay, marble, and granite could become primary economic drivers during the next five years. However, Ghana Chamber of Mines President Jurgen Eijgendaal pointed out that mining companies are finding it difficult to manage rising gas prices, power outages, and other significant challenges.
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Natural Rock Offers Endless Possibilities in Landscaping
Contra Costa Times (CA) (05/23/08) ; Tatko-Peterson, Ann

Big fake rocks are no longer the sole way to spruce up landscaped gardens and yards. Landscape designer Mary Knowles of Walnut Creek, Calif.-based Knowles & Murphy has long been adding natural stone, from walls, water features, and paths to functional sitting areas and as decorative elements. "There are so many choices in natural stone," she says. "It's almost infinite." Indeed, there are hundreds of various kinds of stone, sizes, and colors on the market--including flagstone, sandstone, and moss rock. Flagstone and sandstone are good substances to utilize around pools because they are not slippery and do not flake. In addition, they are available in different colors, are simple to cut, and have nice flat surfaces, according to Knowles. Moss rock is found nearly everywhere, so it is one of the least costly. Since it is simple to work with, moss rock is frequently used to construct retaining walls. Knowles recommends that prior to purchasing a particular stone, owners should find out about its properties and how to apply it. The kind of stone and size should also be taken into consideration, as imported stone can cost a lot more--particularly if the supply is small.
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A Showcase of Brazilian Stone in Vitoria
Stone World (06/01/08) ; Reis, Michael

The Vitoria Stone Fair in Brazil welcomed 33,374 attendees from more than 60 countries Feb. 19-22. Despite a drop in granite exports to the United States during the latter half of 2007, the event saw a 15-percent jump in exhibitors to more than 400. On display were a vast array of exotic and classic stones, many of them specifically targeting the U.S. market, as well as new technology and machinery. Exhibitors hailed from different parts of Brazil as well as from Turkey, Egypt, Peru, and other nations. Apex-Brazil President Alessandro Teixeira took part in a panel discussion about the current state of the industry, noting that Brazilian stone suppliers continue to target the United States even though exports are down. "If you abandon one market or run and hide during a crisis, maybe your place won't be there when you decide to come back," he remarked. Panelists said exports to the northeast, south, and northwest United States held steady, but weakness has been reported in California and Florida.
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Indian marble industry behemoth Alliance Minerals has opened a production facility in Vietnam's Hai Phong port city. The marble processing plant is the single largest investment by an Indian company in Vietnam; the Gimpex Group subsidiary will also establish a limestone processing plant in Tuyen Quang province. Alliance anticipates that the Hai Phong plant will generate projected revenue of $100 million over the next three years. The nearly $10 million marble plant will export about 80 percent of its marble products to a warehouse in Iowa.
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Divers Find Bust of Julius Caesar in Rhone River
London Telegraph (05/14/08)

A marble bust of Roman emperor Julius Caesar believed to date back to 46 B.C. has been discovered in the Rhone River in France. The culture ministry stated that the life-sized bust, brought to the surface by divers last fall, is thought to be the oldest of Caesar ever uncovered. It depicts him as an older man, with wrinkles and hollows in his face. Divers from an archaeological group found the bust and several other items in the water near Arles, which Caesar established. One of the other finds is a nearly six-foot marble statue of Neptune, dated to the third century. Researchers are attempting to figure out "in what context these statues were thrown into the river," says Department of Subaquatic Archaeological Research head Michel L'Hour.
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Fire at Fabrication Shop Offers Cautionary Tale on Insurance Coverage
Stone World (05/15/08)

A fire broke out on May 5 at the Ancient Stone fabrication shop in Brentwood, Calif., causing heavy damage to the fabrication shop. Bob Opsal, owner of Ancient Stone, reports the fire started in a 150-square-foot office adjacent to the shop, passed through an office window that looked onto the shop, and then spread to the lamination station, where the adhesives ignited and greatly accelerated the blaze. The fire seriously damaged four to five projects that were in the works, and completely destroyed all of Ancient Stone's hand tools. "We do custom work, and we had every single hand tool you can think of," Opsal says. " In all, Opsal estimates that the shop suffered more than $200,00 worth of damage. Although the fire spread also to the vicinity of the machinery, the CNC stoneworking center and bridge saw are still operational. "We have a doorway that goes into the machine room, and the fire melted everything on the ceiling there, but it did not destroy the CNC or the saw," Opsal says. He urges fabricators to examine their insurance policies to ensure that they are covered for this type of fire damage. "We thought we were covered for everything, but we weren't. If we had started the fire [in the course of operating the shop], we would have been covered, but not because of this," he notes. "The first thing I thought is to get the word out to fabricators to make sure you are covered in case something like this happens." Opsal says he has received a great deal of support from the industry. "The Marble Institute of America has also been very helpful with advice on dealing with the smoke damage and salvaging materials. All of the support has been awesome."
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