The Prakasam District Mines and Geology Department is actively pursuing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Black Galaxy Granite, enhancing its recognition under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. This premium natural stone is predominantly found in Chimakurthy, situated in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, which contributes significantly to its geographical identity.
Black Galaxy Granite is renowned for its deep black base, embedded with naturally occurring golden, copper, or silver specks, which create a striking “starry night” appearance. These shimmering patterns are formed by bronzite crystals, which develop through natural geological processes over millions of years.
While black granite varieties are mined in various regions globally, the specific visual texture and mineral composition of Black Galaxy Granite are exclusive to Chimakurthy. This distinctive uniqueness reinforces its claim for GI protection, which is intended to safeguard products linked to a defined geographical origin.
With a hardness rating of approximately 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, Black Galaxy Granite showcases strong resistance to heat, scratches, and moisture. Its extremely low water absorption rate makes it particularly suitable for luxury kitchens, flooring, wall cladding, and monuments.
The granite sector in Prakasam district boasts an annual turnover of nearly ₹2,000 crore, supporting close to one lakh livelihoods, both directly and indirectly. Around 75–80% of raw granite blocks are exported to international markets such as China, Europe, and the United States, underscoring its global demand.
Q1. What is Galaxy Granite from Prakasam?
Answer: It is a premium natural granite featuring a pitch-black surface with metallic mineral inclusions, sourced mainly from the Chimakurthy region of Prakasam district.
Q2. What does a GI tag achieve for the district?
Answer: A GI tag provides legal protection to the name “Black Galaxy Granite,” preventing misuse by producers outside the region and improving price realization for local miners and exporters.
Q3. Why was it selected under the ODOP initiative?
Answer: Prakasam district has a near-exclusive presence of this granite variety. ODOP support enables focused investment in infrastructure, technology upgradation, and export facilitation for over 3,000 granite-related units.
Q4. Are the shimmering specks natural or artificially added?
Answer: They are completely natural. The glittering effect is caused by bronzite crystals formed within the rock over long geological time periods.
Q5. How is Black Galaxy Granite exported to global markets?
Answer: Exports are primarily routed through Krishnapatnam and Chennai ports. A significant portion of raw blocks is processed abroad, a trend current policies aim to reverse by encouraging local value addition.
Question 1: What is the primary characteristic of Black Galaxy Granite?
A) It is red in color
B) It has a deep black base with metallic inclusions
C) It is sourced from multiple countries
D) It is synthetic stone
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which department is pursuing the GI tag for Black Galaxy Granite?
A) Ministry of Commerce
B) Prakasam District Mines and Geology Department
C) Geological Survey of India
D) Department of Tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What percentage of raw granite blocks from Prakasam are exported?
A) 50-60%
B) 70-80%
C) 75-80%
D) 90-95%
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the hardness rating of Black Galaxy Granite on the Mohs scale?
A) 4.5-5
B) 6.5-7
C) 8.5-9
D) 3-4
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which ports are primarily used for exporting Black Galaxy Granite?
A) Mumbai and Delhi
B) Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam
C) Krishnapatnam and Chennai
D) Cochin and Tuticorin
Correct Answer: C
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