The price of granite is not so cheap in Nigeria because it is a type of stone with abundance of use cases with high foreign exchange value. To begin with, granite is used as a coarse aggregate in cement mixtures so that the whole solution can attain a good structural and compressive strength just after setting. It’s also used as slabs in kitchen countertops.
For a typical construction need, granite suppliers in Nigeria usually extract, blast, crush and sell them in tons or trips according to their sizes from major boulder stones to smaller chippings. These type of rocks are mainly used for civil engineering works like road construction, bridges, pavements etc.
It is also used for architectural designs for aesthetic decoration, monuments and general building construction. Granite stones are a type of igneous rocks formed when molten magma cools and solidifies slowly over millions of years deep within the Earth’s crust. Basically, these type of stones come in 3 different sizes: small tiles, medium slabs, and large blocks.
Due to its hardness and resistance to heat, granite is highly sought after in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of Nigeria for kitchen countertops and bathroom surfaces. It is also used as a building material for exterior cladding, paving stones, and monuments. Depending on its composing minerals like quartz, feldspar and mica, Granite is available in a wide range of characteristics and colors, including shades of white, gray, black, pink, red, and green which allows for diverse design options.
Price of Granite stone in Nigeria 2023
As we highlighted above, raw granite come in different sizes across quarry sites in Nigeria for building purposes. As heavy commercial goods, they are transported via trucks and trailers to desired locations and measured according to their resulting tonnage. So, the size you want to buy, your location and how many tons needed for your project determines the cost of Granite per order in 2023.
For that reason, let’s take a look at the available sizes that you can find in most quarry sites today and their major uses on-site.
Sizes of Granite chips and their uses
The most popular sizes of Granite in diameters are: 1/2 inches, 3/8 inches, 3/4 inches, 1 inch and Stone dusts that results during milling and crushing of stones.
1/2 inches granite best used got landscaping works
3/8 inches granite used for concrete or asphalt mix for retaining walls or as top dressing on gravel roads
3/4 inches granite which is popular for concreting in slabs, beams and columns
1 inch granite used mainly for concreting walkways, driveways and patios
Granite stone dust, also known as quarry dust or grit and best used in concrete fascia for smoother finish
Having reviewed their different sizes and uses, let us take a look at the average prices of 30 tons of granite and also the cost per ton, 10 and 20 tons as sold by retailers and wholesalers across board.
Cost of Granite in Nigeria
| Granite size | Per Ton | 10 Tons | 30 Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 inch granite | ₦9,000 – ₦12,500 | ₦95,000 – ₦110,000 | ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 |
| 1/4 inch granite | ₦13,000 – ₦16,000 | ₦110,000 – ₦155,000 | ₦355,000 – ₦500,000 |
| 1/2 inch granite | ₦10,500 – ₦14,000 | ₦115,000 – ₦150,000 | ₦336,000 – ₦370,600 |
| 3/4 inch granite | ₦12,500 – ₦16,000 | ₦120,000 – ₦170,000 | ₦350,000 – ₦450,000 |
| 1 inch granite | ₦13,000 – ₦16,500 | ₦250,000 – ₦330,000 | ₦360,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Granite stone dust | ₦8,500 – ₦14,500 | ₦85,999 – ₦159,000 | ₦285,000 – ₦340,000 |
The above prices slightly vary from state to state and it’s exclusive of transportation cost via tipper from the point of collection (usually extraction sites) to point of distribution (your own project location).
Things you need to know about Granite in Nigeria
The stone called granite is one of Nigeria’s many mineral resources commonly referred to as chippings or even gravel in the country. It is known for its durability although that depends on its thickness from ¼ to 1 inch which are considered the best sizes and that should be considered when making choice for suitable sizes.
It is a naturally occurring stone with a lot of chemical compositions ranging from Calcium oxide – 1.82%, Silica – 72.04%, Alumina – 14.42%, Magnesium oxide – 0.71%, Manganese (II) oxide – 0.05%, Potassium oxide – 4.12%, Titania – 0.30%, Iron oxide – 1.68%, Sodium oxide – 3.69%, Phosphorus pentoxide – 0.12% and Ferric oxide – 1.22%. The quantity of granite exportation to Foreign countries isn’t much per annum, however, the mineral resource contributes and helps to earn foreign exchange for the country. They are found in larger quantities in Abuja, Ekiti state and Cross River State of the federation.
7 Methods of Quarrying Granite
Quarrying granite involves extracting the stone from a quarry or an open-pit mining site. There are several methods of quarrying granite, each with its advantages and specific applications. The choice of method depends on factors such as the geological characteristics of the granite deposit, the size and shape of the desired blocks, and the equipment available. Here are some common methods of quarrying granite:
1. Drilling and Wedging: This traditional method involves drilling small holes along the desired splitting line and then inserting wedges or feathers into the holes. By hitting the wedges, the granite is split along its natural fissures or weaknesses, allowing the extraction of large blocks.
2. Diamond Wire Sawing: In this method, a diamond-studded wire rope is used to cut through the granite. The wire is threaded through a series of pulleys and then pulled through the granite block, creating a clean and precise cut. Diamond wire sawing is often used for large, complex shapes or when other methods are not feasible.
3. Blasting: Controlled explosions can be used to break the granite into manageable pieces. This method is particularly useful when dealing with massive granite deposits or when other methods are not practical. Careful planning and execution are necessary to ensure safety and prevent excessive damage to the granite.
4. Channeling Machine: Channeling machines are used to make vertical cuts in the granite quarry. A track-mounted machine with multiple cutting blades creates a series of parallel slots or channels. Wedges are then inserted into these channels to split the granite along specific lines.
5. Jet Burner: Jet burner technology utilizes a high-temperature flame jet to heat the granite, creating cracks. Water is then applied to cool the granite rapidly, causing it to break along the crack lines.
6. Wire Sawing with Water or Sand: Diamond wire saws can be used in combination with water or abrasive sand to cut through the granite. The water or sand helps to cool the wire and flush away the debris, improving cutting efficiency.
7. Jet Piercing: Jet piercing involves drilling small holes in the granite and inserting a high-pressure jet of water, sand, or an abrasive slurry. The jet stream erodes the granite, creating a hole that can be widened and shaped further.
Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice of technique depends on various factors like cost, environmental considerations, the quality of the granite required, and the desired size and shape of the extracted blocks. Quarrying operations must also adhere to safety regulations and environmental guidelines to ensure sustainable and responsible practices.
