Black Aswan

The Forgotten Stones of Aswan Quarry, Egypt

The Aswan Quarry in Egypt holds a rich history and is a treasure trove of ancient stone. Here are some intriguing facts about this remarkable granite:

1. Granite Source: The Aswan area was a preferred granite source in ancient Egypt. Much of the red, grey, and black granite used in the pyramids and Valley Temple on the Giza plateau was extracted from here. This quarry was utilized long before Ramses III’s time.
2. Casing Stones: The stone from Aswan was transformed into the casing stones for various monuments. These include:
   • Khafre’s Pyramid: The casing stones for Khafre’s pyramid were sourced from Aswan.
   • Menkaure’s Pyramid: The 70-ton lintels above the King’s Chamber in Menkaure’s pyramid were also made from Aswan granite.
   • Sarcophagi and Columns: Numerous sarcophagi, columns, and megalithic blocks across the plateau and beyond owe their existence to Aswan granite.
3. Controversial Casing Stones: The casing stones on Menkaure’s pyramid have sparked debate. Some researchers, including Robert Temple, used a technique called optical thermoluminescence to date these stones between 3590 – 2640 BC—much earlier than Menkaure’s reign. This finding suggests that the pyramids were built several hundred years before King Menes, the first Pharaoh.
4. Quarrying Techniques: The big question remains: How did they quarry such massive stones? Engineers and Egyptologists have experimented with diorite pounding stones to simulate the process. Diorite, only slightly harder than granite, was likely used to extract the granite. Estimates suggest it took around 8 months to release the colossal obelisks from the bedrock.

Black Aswan Granite Today

In modern times, Black Aswan Granite continues to captivate with its enduring charm and allure. Sourced from the renowned quarries of Aswan in Egypt, this granite showcases impeccable quality and craftsmanship. It emerges as a stunning testament to luxury, strength, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.