Black Galaxy granite is globally recognized for its deep black base studded with sparkling coppery and golden metallic flecks, earning it the nickname “starry night stone.” This striking natural stone originates from a single geological deposit in the world: the quarries surrounding Chimakurthy in Andhra Pradesh, India.
In 2026, direct export slab prices from India range between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot ($22–$55 per square meter) FOB, depending on fleck size, thickness, and resin quality. In international markets like the US, UK, and UAE, installed residential countertops typically range from $40 to $100 per square foot due to fabrication, edging, local freight, and labor.
Curated by export specialists at Auresta Stones, this comprehensive guide covers everything from quarry-level block selection and current 2026 price metrics to finish variations, structural properties, and trade buying strategies.
What Is Black Galaxy Granite?
Geologically speaking, Black Galaxy is classified as a gabbro or norite—an intrusive, fine-to-coarse-grained, dark igneous rock. In the commercial stone trade, it is classified and sold as a granite because it shares the same density, extreme hardness, heat tolerance, and polishing characteristics.
The signature reflective “stars” scattered throughout the stone are mineral inclusions of bronzite (an iron-bearing pyroxene). When light strikes these polished bronzite crystals, they create a natural metallic shimmer that cannot be artificially duplicated or faded.
[ BLACK GALAXY GRANITE SPECIFICATIONS ]
┌────────────────────────┬────────────────────────┬────────────────────────┐
│ Specific Gravity │ Water Absorption │ Compressive Strength │
│ 2.95 – 3.05 g/cm³ │ < 0.15% │ 200 – 240 MPa │
├────────────────────────┼────────────────────────┼────────────────────────┤
│ Mohs Hardness │ Flexural Strength │ Primary Mineral │
│ 6.5 – 7 │ 18 – 22 MPa │ Plagioclase + Bronzite │
└────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┘
Trade Note: You will often see this stone marketed under different trade names, including Star Galaxy, Galaxy Gold, or Black Gold Galaxy. These are identical geological materials; differences in pricing come down to fleck grade and surface finish rather than a different stone species.
Quarry Origin & Fleck Grading
Every authentic container of Black Galaxy granite originates from the mineral-rich deposits near Chimakurthy in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Because this stone comes from a single geographic cluster, quarry-level block selection determines the overall aesthetic and market value.
FLECK VARIETIES & DISTRIBUTIONS
┌──────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐
│ 1. Small Fleck │ │ 2. Medium Fleck │ │ 3. Large Fleck │
│ (Fine / Uniform) │ │ (Standard Commercial)│ │ (Star Grade) │
└──────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────┘
1. Small Fleck (Fine Grain)
- Visual Profile: Features dense, finely distributed gold speckles resembling metallic dust.
- Best Use: High-end architectural projects, large flooring spans, and seamlessly book-matched islands requiring visual uniformity.
2. Medium Fleck (Standard / Commercial Grade)
- Visual Profile: Displays well-balanced, clearly visible coppery-gold flecks across a deep black background.
- Best Use: The most widely exported grade, ideal for kitchen countertops, vanity tops, and commercial lobby flooring.
3. Large Fleck (“Star Grade”)
- Visual Profile: Features large, prominent bronze flakes (3mm to 5mm+) that create a high-contrast reflective display.
- Best Use: Focal feature walls, luxury reception desks, and custom statement islands. Yields are lower, placing this grade at the higher end of the pricing spectrum.
Before purchasing, ensure your exporter conducts rigorous block inspections. Evaluating micro-fissures, pitch black color depth, and fleck consistency at the quarry prevents structural defects after slab processing.
Black Galaxy Granite Price Breakdown (2026)
To budget accurately, consider where you are buying along the supply chain.
| Metric / Stage | Pricing Range (USD) | Pricing Range (INR / Local) | Key Variables |
| Ex-Factory Slabs (India) | $2.00 – $5.00 / sq ft | ₹180 – ₹450 / sq ft | Fleck size, slab size, thickness (2cm vs 3cm), resin treatment. |
| Landed Wholesale (Imported) | $5.00 – $10.00 / sq ft | Destination dependent | Sea freight rates, ocean insurance, customs tariffs, terminal fees. |
| Installed Countertops | $40 – $100+ / sq ft | £300 – £500 / sq m | Fabrication, laser templating, edge profile milling, sink cutouts, labor. |
Factors That Influence Slab Pricing:
- Slab Thickness: $3\text{ cm}$ (30mm) slabs contain $50\%$ more stone mass than $2\text{ cm}$ (20mm) slabs, increasing both material and ocean freight costs.
- Slab Dimensions: Gangsaw slabs ($280\text{ cm}+ \times 160\text{ cm}+$) command higher square-foot pricing than cutter-size slabs ($180\text{ cm}+ \times 60\text{ cm}+$).
- Epoxy Netting & Epoxy Resin: High-grade, UV-stable Italian epoxy resin treatments protect the surface and enhance gloss stability.
Surface Finishes & Textures
Surface processing changes both the visual character and performance characteristics of Black Galaxy granite:
[ SURFACE FINISH SELECTION ]
┌────────────────────────┬────────────────────────┬────────────────────────┐
│ Polished │ Honed │ Leathered │
│ High Reflectivity │ Smooth Matte Finish │ Textured Tactile │
│ Fired Bronzite Flecks│ Subtle Charcoal Look │ Hides Fingerprints │
└────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┴────────────────────────┘
- Polished: The benchmark finish. Multi-stage diamond grinding creates a mirror surface that highlights the internal bronzite flakes.
- Honed: Delivers a smooth, non-reflective matte finish. The base darkens to a deep charcoal black with understated fleck visibility—ideal for low-glare flooring.
- Leathered / Brushed: Diamond-tipped brushes create a textured, subtle relief that follows the natural grain. This finish repels visible fingerprints and smudges, making it popular for high-traffic kitchens.
- Flamed / Thermal: High-temperature processing produces a rough, slip-resistant surface designed for exterior paving, steps, and building facades.
Comparative Analysis: Black Galaxy vs. Other Indian Black Granites
Comparing natural black granites helps match the right stone to your design requirements and budget:
| Feature | Black Galaxy | Absolute Black | Black Pearl | Titanium Black |
| Visual Appearance | Jet black base with metallic gold flecks | Uniform, deep solid black | Dark grey/black with silver/green shimmer | Dramatic black with bold white & gold veining |
| Geological Origin | Andhra Pradesh (Single Source) | Andhra Pradesh / Karnataka | Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh |
| Color Uniformity | High (within selected lot) | Very High | Moderate | Low (High visual movement) |
| Scratch & Heat Resistance | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional |
| Best Application | Luxury island tops, lobby floors, vanity tops | Minimalist designs, monuments, countertops | High-traffic commercial floors | Accent feature walls, island waterfalls |
Design Applications & Pairings
Architects and interior designers regularly specify Black Galaxy granite across residential and commercial settings:
- Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets: Pairs exceptionally well with crisp white, light grey, or natural oak cabinetry. The metallic flecks tie in polished brass, copper, or matte black hardware.
- Waterfall Island Islands: Book-matched 3cm gangsaw slabs running vertically down cabinet sides create a striking focal point.
- Commercial Lobby Flooring: Honed or polished cut-to-size tiles ($60 \times 60\text{ cm}$ or $80 \times 80\text{ cm}$) deliver durable flooring capable of handling heavy foot traffic.
- Bathroom Vanities & Feature Walls: Low moisture absorption ($< 0.15\%$) prevents water damage, making it suitable for wet areas and shower surrounds.
Care & Maintenance Protocol
Black Galaxy granite is naturally low-maintenance, but proper care preserves its polish for decades:
- Daily Cleaning: Use warm water with a mild, pH-neutral soap or dedicated stone cleaner. Avoid acidic solutions (such as vinegar or lemon juice) and harsh bleaches, which can degrade the surface sealer over time.
- Periodic Sealing: Apply a penetrating fluoropolymer-based impregnating sealer once every 12 to 24 months. While dense gabbro resists liquids naturally, sealing provides an extra barrier against oils and kitchen grease.
- Heat Tolerance: The stone tolerates direct contact with hot cookware, but using trivets protects the surface sealer from thermal shock.
For official stone testing procedures, environmental compliance, and technical standards, refer to the Natural Stone Institute and ISO 9001 Quality Standards.
Bulk Import & Trade Procurement Checklist
If you are a stone distributor, commercial contractor, or importer sourcing container loads from India, follow these trade guidelines:
- [ ] Specify Fleck Grade & Slab Calibrations: Clearly define fleck size (small, medium, or large) and allowable thickness tolerances ($\pm 1\text{mm}$ for calibrated slabs).
- [ ] Inspect Un-Resined Blocks: Verify that the supplier selects structural quarry blocks free from open hairline fractures or excessive iron lines.
- [ ] Container Packaging: Slabs must be packed in ISPM-15 heat-treated and fumigated wooden bundles with corner guards and moisture protection.
- [ ] Target Container Weights: A standard $20\text{-foot}$ container holds roughly $250 \text{ m}^2$ of $2\text{ cm}$ slabs or $170 \text{ m}^2$ of $3\text{ cm}$ slabs, subject to destination port weight limits.
Partner with India’s Leading Natural Stone Exporters
At Auresta Stones, we extract, process, and export premium South Indian granites, marbles, and sandstones to partners across 40+ countries. Every shipment undergoes rigid multi-level quality control to ensure precise dimensional tolerances and defect-free finishes.
Ready to source export-grade Black Galaxy slabs or custom cut-to-size tiles? Contact Our Export Team for current lot availability and factory-direct pricing.
FAQs
Is Black Galaxy granite expensive compared to other granites?
It is priced higher than standard black granites due to its single-source origin in Chimakurthy, India. However, it remains more cost-effective than exotic marbles or high-end quartzites.
Can Black Galaxy granite be used for outdoor landscaping?
Yes. Its low water absorption and high resistance to thermal expansion make it suitable for exterior wall cladding, outdoor kitchens, and flamed paving slabs.
Does Black Galaxy granite fade in direct sunlight?
No. The black gabbro composition and natural bronzite crystals are UV-stable and will not fade or discolor when exposed to direct sunlight.
