Granite
The term "Granite" is derived from latin word "Granum" meaning "grain" because of its granular nature. Rajasthan is well known since time im-memorial for its building and dimensional stones like Marble, Sandstone, Limestone, Slate etc. Recently granite has also been added to this list. Granite occupies a prominent place among dimensional stones on account of its hardness, durability, capability to take mirror polish and fascinating colours. As such the use of granite has increased many fold as dimensional and decorative stone all over the world and this has created a good export market for Indian Granite.

Granite has a 95% share in India's dimensional stone export. The export of high value added items like tiles, polished slabs and monument stones has increased by over 50% average growth rate per year.

Geographical Distribution
Rajasthan is richly endowed with large reserves of different varieties of granite spread over in 23 districts of the state. More than 200 localities of granite have been identified so far. The important districtwise locations are given below .

BHILWARA: Gyangarh-Thana-Phakoliya, Katar, Bor-Ka-Bariya, Janarda, Dhaneri, Naya Talab, Sabadara, Nareli, Charon-Ka-Bariya, Karera, Dhani-Somani, Dhikola, Badnor, Bheru Khera, Kidimal, Udai Ram Ji Ka Guda, Rampuria, Shivpura, etc.

BANSWARA : Mungthali, Sageta, Thikria, Ganoda, Pipalkhunt, Jhupel.

UDAIPUR : Gingala, Unthala, Udai Sagar, Dakan-Kotra, Jaisamand, Salumber, Jhalara, Saira, Padrada, Kagwas, Moanda, Modi-Bathera, Kanor.

RAJSAMAND : Lasani, Sanora-Ka-Bariya, Isharmand, Malkot, Kakroda, Kalalon Ki Anti, Bachhariya, Kania Kheda.

CHITTAURGARH : Gangrar, Soniana, Khuntia, Ganeshpura, Nimbahera, Chhoti Sadri.

DUNGARPUR : Ramgarh, Punawali-Bokarsal.

Classification
Granites are classified under four grades depending upon the compressive strength and abrasive resistance as specified below :

Status of Granite Industries
A large number of granite based processing units are operating in Rajasthan including many processing units of large and imported Gangsaws. Some of these are totally export oriented units. A number of tiny/small tiling plants are also in operation. Units are mainly located at Jalore, Sikar, Abu Road, Alwar, Jhnjhunu, Jaipur, Banswara, Shahpura, Ajmer, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Badnor, Devgarh, Raipur, Pali, Jodhpur etc.

Commercial expolitation of granite in India is confined largely to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Orrisa, M.P., Bihar and Gujrat. India is second largest exporter of granite blocks and finished slabs and tiles. Rajasthan holds a prominent place with 432 Mining leases (2001-02). The production of granite in State which was 900 tonnes in 1986 increased to, 52776 tonnes in 2001-02.

Granite Policy
Keeping in view the development potential of large resources of granite in State, its export possibilities and for its systematic and scientific mining, the Government of Rajasthan formulated a granite policy in 1991-92. To further streamline the work and in pursuance of new liberalised mineral policy, new granite policy was formulated in January, 1995, which has further been modified and declared on 2^nd march, 2002. The New marble policy permits sanction of Mining leases only after making sure the availability of adequate granite deposit in the area. Prospecting Licence can be granted to ascertain granite reserves in previously unexplored area. The policy allows plots of bigger sizes i.e. 3 hectares.

Under new granite policy maximum allotments of plots would be up to 9 hectares alongwith this, there is a provision to allocate 15 to 33 hectares for those who intend to install one to four gang saws. If the investment is Rs. 100 million the unit would be eligible for plots up to 50 hectares. The policy has a provision of 10% reservation of mining plots each for scheduled cast and scheduled tribes, 5% for other backwards, 3% for unemployed graduates and 2% for the families of the freedom fighters and those in armed forces. Proper weightage has been given for environmental restoration, creation of green belt etc. around mining activities. Details of the policy and procedure are available in the offices of the department.