Far beyond the road’s end in Minas Gerais, Brazil lays a granite quarry named Gramazini that is quite unique. CRS Marble & Granite has negotiated a deal with this mine to exclusively provide a rare, exotic granite – called Azurite granite –  to its North Carolina customers, as well as those in South Carolina and Virginia. 

We chose this quarry because its product provides a balanced look free of flaws. Azurite granite’s predominant color is blue with green, taupe, vanilla, and blue crystals mixed throughout it. It is a slab with exuberant movement in it through a bold veining pattern.

Azurite granite is considered rare and exotic for a couple of reasons. It is difficult to obtain. Our quarry must build the infrastructure, clearing remote land and constructing roads to access the quarry where their workers can mine these beautiful stone slabs. Because of the quarry’s remoteness, production is limited. Plus, Mother Nature has only produced so much of a stone that contains the blue colorway consistently throughout it, a feature that is hard to find. Most granite slabs contain shades of green, gray, and brown, so blue is precious and unique. Azurite granite can be equated to purchasing an original piece of fine artwork to display in the home.

As an exotic stone, Azurite granite is a top-tier slab, but there are benefits to buying the best. First, it is a smart investment. Stones traditionally maintain their value; however, exotic stones like Azurite granite increase in value as natural supplies dwindle. Alternatively, man-made quartz’s price continues to decrease as more and more factories begin producing it. Limited Azurite stock also means a unique look for homeowners in the kitchen, bath, or outdoor kitchen area.

Every family in the neighborhood will not have Azurite granite countertops. Any application that calls for granite is also appropriate for exotic Azurite. It is as durable as other granite slabs and enjoys the same carefree maintenance routine. But Azurite granite is more exclusive and distinctive than lower tiers of granite. Homeowners have the opportunity to customize it even further by choosing a finish – polished, leathered, rough, or honed – which all display beautifully in Azurite slabs.

Azurite granite is truly Mother Nature’s artwork, touched with her highest level of inspiration. Whether you’re a Tarheel or a Blue Devil ... there’s a shade of blue in Azurite for you!

Sunny Surana is president of CRS Marble & Granite, with four locations in the U.S., including Raleigh, and two locations overseas. He has been sourcing highquality stones from remote international quarries for more than twenty years in this family-business-turnedinternational success model. See Azurite granite plus other exotic stones in the 60,000-square-foot Raleigh showroom at 7521 Exhibit Court or call 919-784-9282. Learn more at www.crsgranite.com.