MEMORIALIZATION Granite & Marble By Jackie O’Neill

Marble and granite are particularly difficult substances to work with being heavy and cumbersome, yet fragile to chipping.

When you think of cemeteries, you usually think of headstones. Although cremation is now a widespread practice, families still frequently choose, for religious or cultural reasons, to memorialise their loved ones in a cemetery with a traditional headstone. This form of memorial comes in a variety of natural stone including granite and marble. Beliefs differ based on denominations and ethnic groups, for example, some Italians prefer to have their own vaults or crypts, yet others choose the newer style mausoleum. These facilities are also made from natural stone using marble for the interior and granite on the exterior. The stone used for monuments goes through an exacting quarry process:

• geological surveys to test the availability and quality of rock
  
• application for permits from local authorities, focusing particularly on environmental concerns
  
• removing overburden (soil) to uncover the rock
  
• blasting, using state-of-the-art explosives technology, as well as drilling and splitting
  
• finally, delivery to manufacturers for cutting, shaping and polishing.

What’s the difference between marble and granite?
‘Marble’ is derived from a Greek word ‘marmareos’ (meaning sparkling and shining), and is used to describe white or coloured hard limestone that can assume a bright surface when polished. Granite is very hard igneous (volcanic) rock. Marble lasts as long as granite but is much softer to work and is most suitable for carvings on monuments, vases, crosses and other accessories. Granite is ideal for slabs and headstones as it is the most durable natural stone and weathers better. In the funeral industry, marble is used roughly 10% of the time, with granite the material of choice for the remaining 90% of graves. Marble and granite are particularly difficult substances to work with being heavy and cumbersome, yet fragile to chipping. A great deal of experience is required in handling these products. In modern factories, overhead cranes and trolleys are utilised to manipulate and transport unprocessed slabs or finished articles. However in many circumstances, particularly on site in cemeteries, most handling is manual often due to restricted access to graves sites.

At least two men are needed for an installation, while sometimes up to six are required to carry a large thick slab. Granite and marble are quarried world wide, yet Frank Dimarco & Son Pty Ltd of Kogarah, NSW, imports their stronger-coloured stones (most appropriate for headstones) from Norway, Denmark, Africa and India. Religious statues are often made from a white ceramic from Germany. Not all Australian granites are suitable for monumental purposes. Many new lighter-coloured stones are fashionable but not suited for outdoor use due to their high water absorption and tendency to discolour and stain. These are better adapted to commercial and domestic applications. Flamed granite is formed when the stone is burnt at high temperatures with a gas flame, water-cooled and then the surface pops, giving a rough crystal-like consistency. This finish is best for pavers and other products where a non-slip texture is important.

How do Mr & Mrs Public select a good stone?
Ideally, the purchaser should accompany the supplier to a cemetery site to see the quality of the works he has previously undertaken. For monuments constantly exposed to the elements, it is better to select darker colours such as blues, dark greens, reds and blacks. Many older Australian city buildings clad in red or black granite are fine examples of quality materials. Costs vary considerably depending on the colour and thickness of the stone, the size and design of the monument and the length of the inscription. Additional savings can be effected by choosing rocks with sawn edges rather than polished ones, straight edges not curves, or a simple design instead of an elaborately decorated one.

What about inscriptions?
Early last century lead infill was popular for inscriptions, the process was extremely labour intensive and expensive as in that era most inscriptions were shaped and cut by hand. The drawback to this method is that in time the lead deteriorates and weathers, goes brittle and then falls out. Today, inscriptions on granite and marble are programmed automatically. Letters are written up and cut on a thick masking tape (approximately 1mm-2mm) by computer, adhered to the headstone and finally, sand blasted with fine clean sand or a powder called shot. Sand blasting can be:

• raised natural cut with the background of the letter blasted from the stone, so the polished surface is the actual letter. This method virtually lasts a lifetime.
  
• incised, where a letter is cut into the polished surface, so the non-polished area is the shape of the letter. This method also endures for a lifetime.
  
• as above, but coloured in with either 23 carat leaf gold or a spray paint.
  

Repairing gravestones
The darker and denser the stone, the stronger and less resistant to staining it is. If polished, the surface is easy to clean with good mild soapy water, a stainless steel woollen pad and a soft cloth. In some cases the surface can be repolished. Chips may be repaired, however such work will be noticeable in time. On the other hand, scratches can generally be polished out, depending on the depth of the scratch.

Many thanks to Mr Alf Dimarco for his invaluable input and advice on this article. Alf’s family company has over 85 years’ experience building monuments, tombs and family mausoleums. If you have any queries Alf suggests you discuss the options thoroughly with a monumental mason, preferably a member of the Monumental Masons Association.