Latest news with #granite


Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
I found a weird slab with two holes while having a smoke at a bar... I was surprised to discover what it was
While stopping for a smoke break at a local bar, a Reddit user uncovered a peculiar item they were certain had nothing to do with smoking at all. User SmelisSmell found a thick, heavy slab of what they assumed was granite in the smoking area of a bar. The white and gray rectangle had two even holes drilled all the way through. They wrote on the site's 'What is this thing' channel: 'Any clue on the purpose of this rectangular granite slab with two holes cut out of it? It was a pretty heavy and thick stone. 'We found in a pub smoking area and at one point somebody had placed an ashtray on it, but we thought it looked like it must have another specific use.' The poster said that the item was about six inches long and an inch or so thick. Commenters came in swarms to uncover the real purpose of the makeshift ashtray. The suggestions ranged from toilet paper holder to paper weight. 'I thought this was a tile that went behind a toilet paper holder,' a user wrote. 'Probably used as a paper weight,' said another. But after much debate, wannabe investigators came to a consensus in the comment section. Two suggestions stood out as the front runners. About half of the comment section said the piece looked like it was made of marble, perhaps used as the stand for a trophy. One commenter wrote: 'It may be the base for a trophy?' Another agreed, throwing aside their own solution: 'Yeah I was thinking it might be a switch plate for an old school button switch, but the openings are spaced way closer together on all of those. 'Gotta be for a baseball player's feet or something.' It would take a very specific trophy to be held up by the two perforations in the marble slab, but commenters agreed it was still within the realm of possibility. But the far more likely solution came from a retiree who'd received something similar - although slightly more intact - as a gift. They commented: 'I think it is marble, not granite. Trophy as mentioned or a pen/pencil set. I got one just like it when I retired.' In theory, the marble slab would hold two ball point pens upright in each hole. Often, the marble would be engraved and would sit neatly on the desk of its owner. However, in this case it had been repurposed to become a far too nice ashtray stand. With the solution found, there was one more task at hand. In the photo, it seemed the SmelisSmell had swiped the object from the bar.


Economic Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Oriental Trimex shares hit 5% upper circuit after Q1 update highlights expansion, efficiency push
ADVERTISEMENT Here are the highlights shared by the company: Introduction of ultrathin wire cutting technology Black granite mining lease in Odisha ADVERTISEMENT Divestment of non-core assets ADVERTISEMENT Growth in the National Capital Region (NCR) market ADVERTISEMENT Shares of Oriental Trimex rallied nearly 5% on Monday to hit an intraday high of Rs 14.75, after the company released its business update for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The update, issued post-market hours on Friday, outlined several operational and strategic initiatives across technology adoption, asset monetization, and product diversification aimed at strengthening growth and improving company announced the introduction of the 'SMART CUT' ultrathin wire machine for cutting marble blocks, becoming one of the first in the industry to adopt this cutting-edge machine employs ultra-thin wire just 0.55 mm thick—significantly more precise than conventional blades—resulting in a 20% reduction in material wastage. The innovation is expected to optimize yield and enhance profit margins, which typically range from 10% to 30% in the industry. The high degree of automation also reduces labor dependence, improving operational Trimex also reported that it had received an official mining lease from the Odisha Government for a quarry of Jer Black Granite on May 21, 2025. Quarry operations are expected to begin in the current quarter, with commercial production to follow shortly company is actively exploring export partnerships and is in advanced discussions with several companies in the Far East and Middle East, including a Vietnam-based part of its broader strategy to streamline operations and unlock liquidity, the company disclosed plans to divest non-core land assets, including seven acres in Somnathpur Industrial Estate, Balasore, and a small granite unit in the Rairangpur Industrial divestment is aimed at reducing recurring expenses and reallocating capital for focused company is also witnessing strong demand in the luxury housing segment of the National Capital Region (NCR), fueled by a rise in premium residential developments. Oriental Trimex noted that its high-quality imported marbles, indigenous granites, and marble-design vitrified tiles have gained traction with prominent company emphasized its track record of serving marquee projects in both North and South India, solidifying its presence in the premium construction materials market.: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
True Blue Surfaces Unveils Summer Sale on Granite and Quartz Countertop Packages
Austin-based countertop specialist announces limited-time granite and quartz packages tailored for summer home upgrades. 'Summer's a popular time for home updates. We're making upgrades easier with quality materials, expert installation, and clear, stress-free pricing.'— Jodi Dakin, Marketing Manager at True Blue Surfaces AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2025 / / -- True Blue Surfaces, a premier countertop fabricator and installer serving Central Texas, has launched a Summer Blowout Sale on its popular granite and quartz countertop packages. With each package starting at just $2,399, this limited-time offer makes it easier for Austin homeowners to upgrade their kitchens or baths with high-quality stone surfaces. • Both packages are priced based on 45 sq. ft. of countertop material and include the following features: • Choice of 5 stylish color options (granite or quartz) • Free in-home measurement • Templating, fabrication, and professional installation • Complimentary stainless steel sink The promotion is designed to deliver a streamlined remodeling experience with transparent pricing and fast service. Larger projects also benefit from consistent per-square-foot pricing beyond the standard package. 'We know summer is a popular season for home improvements,' said Jodi Dakin, Marketing Manager at True Blue Surfaces. 'Our goal is to provide top-tier materials and expert installation at a price that takes the stress out of upgrading.' Granite countertops appeal to those who value natural variation and enduring strength, while quartz is ideal for clients seeking uniformity and low maintenance. With both materials available under this seasonal promotion, True Blue Surfaces ensures a tailored solution for any design preference. Customers are encouraged to stop by the True Blue Surfaces showroom at 11102 Bluff Bend Dr., Austin, TX 78753 to view countertop material samples and speak with an expert. Appointments and estimates can also be booked by phone at +1 512-599-4294. Jodi Dakin True Blue Surfaces +1 512-599-4294 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.


Arabian Business
24-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's Najran mining sector valued at over $38.7bn as region emerges as granite and precious metals hub
The Najran region is fast becoming a key pillar in Saudi Arabia's mining ambitions, with its untapped mineral wealth now estimated at more than SR145bn ($38.66bn). The region's rich geological landscape contains valuable resources such as gold, copper, zinc, lead, and silver, alongside abundant decorative and construction materials like marble, granite, basalt, and silica sand. Najran is emerging as a critical mining and industrial centre that supports domestic growth and international exports. Saudi mining sector Najran's towering mountains are a major source of high-quality granite, renowned for its distinctive colours and superior durability. The region produces approximately 4,500 cubic metres of granite annually, with expansion plans in place to meet rising demand across both local and global markets. Najran granite has already been used in prestigious national developments including the Two Holy Mosques, government buildings, palaces, and universities — making it a cornerstone material for Saudi Arabia's infrastructure and architectural identity. Currently, more than 14 national companies operate mining sites across Najran, with the Bir Askar mining complex standing out as a major hub due to its rare geological formations. The complex continues to attract significant interest from major mining and industrial companies, further boosting Najran's strategic relevance. The region's growing mining capacity not only enhances the Kingdom's self-sufficiency in key materials but also contributes to job creation, export potential, and sustainable development in Saudi Arabia's southern provinces.