Cataraqui Cemetery – Granite Colours Used for Grave Headstones*

Grave headstones are grave markers usually made from natural stone, such as granite, used to mark the place of a loved one's grave in the cemetery. They can be found in all shapes and sizes and in many cases you will find grave headstones that have been carved to have the appearance of an artist's sculpture.

History of Grave Headstones

For centuries people of all cultures have chosen to mark the grave of a loved one with some type of memorial. In the early years grave headstones were first made from soft natural stone such as sandstone, limestone and slate. The methods for carving the personalized details were crude and in many cases the final engraving was shallow. This made it difficult to read the names and dates as time and wind eroded the surface.

In the middle 19th Century skilled artisans created an industry of manufacturing grave headstones made from marble. In the latter part of the same century the industrial revolution brought about the invention of modern days tools and methods that made the quarrying and fabrication of marble and granite economical.

Grave Headstones Made From Granite

It was in the early 20th Century that the use of granite became wide spread for use in the manufacture of grave headstones. Through the use of modern machinery, grave headstones made from granite became affordable for most people. Granite, because of its hardness and durability, is the best material for grave headstones as it can withstand the harshest environments with no change to its natural beauty. Additionally, granite will hold any carved design and remain unchanged for centuries to come.

Visit our Monument Garden to see samples of Cataraqui Cemetery’s
Grave Headstones

Granite Colour Groups

When granite was first used in Canada for grave headstones, the most popular colour was gray granite. While gray is still the most popular there are many other colours now available. Those granite colours mentioned in this article represent only a small portion of all the colours available. There are several popular granite colour groups that are used in grave headstones.

Grays - By far the most popular group, gray granite can be seen in just about every cemetery across the country. Georgia Gray granite is very economical as it comes from Elberton, GA the granite capital of the world. Other gray granite colours in this group are: Barre Gray, Sierra White, St. Cloud Gray, Moonlight Gray, and Coral Gray. The latter two being used mainly as granite bases for bronze memorials. Two examples of Barre Grey are on display in the Cataraqui Cemetery’s Monument Garden.


Georgia Gray	Barre Gray	Sierra White

St. Cloud Gray	Moonlight Gray	Coral Gray

Browns - A very warm and soothing granite colour, the browns in this group, when polished, produce a very heartwarming appearance.

Pinks - The granite colours in this group are known for their graceful pink hues and delicate appearance although they are as durable as any other colour. One of the more popular pink granite colours is Vermillion which can be seen in our Monument Display Garden.

Reds - Red granites are very eye catching as they have a mystical appearance about them. A beautiful sample of Scarlet Red is available for viewing in the Monument Garden.

Blacks - The darkest of the bunch, black granite produces the most brilliant reflection when polished to a high sheen. The contrast between the dark polished surface and carved areas make for an excellent sandblasting medium. The colours in this group are: India Black/Absolute Black, Academy Black, Black Galaxy. Several examples of Black Galaxy are available for you to see.


India Black	Academy Blk	Black Galaxy

Characteristics of The Granite Colours

Not every granite colour is well suited for any application. Some because of the fine grain patterns are excellent choices for carving in grave headstones. Others make a good choice as a granite base for a bronze grave marker.

Sandblasting/Carved Grave Headstones - These granite colours work best because they are composed of a medium to fine grain pattern which makes for excellent carving in grave headstones. All our granite colours work well for this medium.

Granite Bases for Bronze Grave Markers - These granites because of their coarse grain characteristics, are best suited as granite bases for a bronze grave marker. Our most popular granite base is Stanstead Grey with a sawn top and balanced rock pitch, however many other options are also available.