"Shimian Red" granite

"Shimian Red" granite

　　The granite and marble reserves in Shimian County amount to over 5 billion cubic meters, among which "Shimian Red" granite has been used in buildings such as the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and Chengdu Railway Station.

　　Natural granite is an igneous rock, also known as acidic crystalline plutonic rock, and is classified as a hard stone material. It is composed of feldspar, quartz, and a small amount of mica. Granite has a dense structure, forming a uniform, granular overall texture. It is commonly categorized by the size of its crystalline grains into three types: "pegmatitic," "coarse-grained," and "fine-grained." Its color is primarily determined by the color of the feldspar and the distribution of small amounts of mica and dark minerals, usually appearing gray, red, rose-colored, or a mix of gray and red. When processed and polished, it forms beautiful spotted patterns with varying shades, characterized by fine and uniform grains, scattered with mica highlights like stars and sparkling quartz crystals. Marble, on the other hand, has poor crystallization, with a surface that rarely shows fine grains but rather features circular, branch-like, or vein-like patterns. Therefore, these characteristics can be used to distinguish between the two types of stone. China also has extremely rich granite mineral resources, with large reserves and a wide variety of types. According to survey data, there are over 100 varieties of natural granite colors and patterns in China. Granite used for architectural decoration is named based on its patterns, color features, and place of origin. Among the better-known types are Juhua Qing (Chrysanthemum Green), Xuěhuā Qīng (Snowflake Green), and Yúnlǐ Méi (Plum in the Clouds) from Jiāngshī, Henan; Jǐnán Qīng (Jinan Green) from Jǐnán, Shandong; Shímián Hóng (Shimian Red) from Shimian, Sichuan; Dòulǜsè (Bean Green) from Shànggāo, Jiangxi; Zhōngshān Yù (Zhongshan Jade) from Zhōngshān, Guangdong; Guìfēi Hóng (Imperial Concubine Red), Júhóng (Orange Red), Mǎdiǎn Bái (Flecked White), Lǜhēi Huā (Green-Black Flower), and Huáng Hēi Huā (Yellow-Black Flower) from Língqiū, Shanxi.