Ideas for Black Granite Headstones

Choosing a headstone, whether it be for yourself or for a loved one, is a somber task. Black granite is a material that is able to be shaped and withstands both time and weather. Many options are available that allow you to create a truly representative, personalized headstone. The options to take into consideration include shape, size, inscriptions, color, symbolism and images.

Size and Shape

• Many cemeteries have size guidelines that you must follow when placing a headstone on the grave space. A range of headstone sizes are available but it is important to consider both the requirements of your cemetery as well as cost-efficiency and your budget, as many large headstones are quite expensive. Several shapes also are available for black granite headstones. While the most common shapes are rounded and square, more intricate options include hearts and crosses.

Inscriptions

• Black granite headstones are the most reflective granite color when polished. This reflective, glossy surface lends itself very well to inscriptions, which are carved into the granite via sandblasting. Traditional headstones feature the name as well as the dates of the individual's birth and death, but you also can include an epitaph. Consider the interests that the individual possessed in life; a literature quote may be a good choice for someone who was an avid reader, while a quote from the Bible may be the best choice for someone who was deeply religious.

Color

• Several variations of black granite are available to help you personalize the headstone. India Black, or Absolute Black, is the darkest selection and, as the name suggests, headstones this color are entirely black. Black Galaxy granite is black with small areas of white and gray interspersed throughout that give the impression of the night sky. Academy Black, the lightest shade of black granite, is a mixture of black and gray. When choosing a color, consider the images and engravings you are planning on including on the headstone. Sandblasting looks especially beautiful on the darker variations of black granite due to the contrast.

Images

• Images, like inscriptions, should be representative of the life and personality of the individual who is being memorialized. These also are sandblasted into the granite, and the company designing your headstone can include a very wide variety of images. You may choose the image of a dog for an animal lover, or a tree or flower for a nature lover. You should also consider the symbolism of the images you are planning on using for your black granite headstone. While a daisy is representative of the innocence of childhood, butterflies represent the soul and the oak tree stands for strength and stability.