Marble Quarrying in Italian Alps: Video

We found this amazing short video by Yuri Ancarani of an artistic look inside a marble quarry in the Italian Alps. To see the inner mechanics and workings of the quarry is super informative and reminds us of the sheer hard work and processes it takes to get these amazing natural stone slabs all around the world. Seeing marble in its basic, natural state is really striking. Watching this makes us feel lucky that we can offer and share these pieces of nature in New Zealand and admire their beauty in our factory from half way around the world.

“Marble quarries are places so unbelievable and striking, they almost feel like they are big theaters or sets,” says Yuri Ancarani, the filmmaker behind today’s excerpt from the documentary, Il Capo (The Chief), which follows a quarry boss as he guides his men through the extraction process, using a silent language of gesture and sign.

Ancarani was captivated by the otherworldly landscapes of the quarry. He spent nearly a year filming on Monte Bettolgi, in the Carrara region of the Apuan Alps, in Northwest Italy, eventually deciding to focus his film on the hypnotic, and rather dramatic moment when the monumental marble blocks are freed from the mountainside, and fall to the ground with an earth-shattering thud.

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Caring For Your Granite Benchtop

One of the major perks of having granite surfaces in your home, is that they require very little maintenance. Granite is one of the hardest minerals on earth, so is by nature extremely strong and durable. It is also heat and stain resistant. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a little bit of loving, with a good routine using basic equipment and product, your granite benchtop will serve you well for many years. The Granite Benchtop Company recommends this fail-safe method for caring for your granite benchtop, to make sure it stays looking as good as the day it was installed.

The method we advise to our clients here at GBC is really basic – a 30:70 mix of Methylated Spirits and water. Inexpensive and easy!

  1. First you’ll need to do a surface clean of the benchtop to remove any loose grime. You can do this simply with a paper towel.
  2. Once the surface is clear, mix together a 30:70 mix of Methylated Spirits and water.
  3. Apply the solution to a cloth and wipe down the stone areas.
  4. Once your done, use a paper towel to pat the excess water off of the surface.
  5.  To finish, we highly recommend using  a micro-fibre cloth to remove any excess dust or left over solution. This will ensure your benchtop is clean, safe for use and super shiny!

If you have any questions regarding caring for your benchtop you can contact us. 

*** It’s important to watch what you use on the granite, over time some harsh acidic kitchen chemicals can take their toll on the surface. Chemicals with acidic properties are the one thing that can corrode the sealing of granite, so do not use any product using vinegar or lemon. ***

*** Soap or detergent is okay to use periodically, however long term use will result in a build up on the surface***

 

 

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Welcome to GBC News & Promotions. Here we will be sharing weekly industry news and up coming promotions.

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