Black granite is the most sought-after headstone material in America. Its deep, polished surface creates stunning contrast with engraved text and designs, giving flat markers a formal, timeless appearance that holds up for generations.
If you are shopping for a black granite headstone, this guide breaks down current prices, explains why black granite costs more than gray, and shows you what to look for when comparing retailers.
How Much Does a Black Granite Headstone Cost?
Most families pay between $600 and $3,000 for a black granite headstone. For the standard 28x16x3in size, here is how prices compare across major online retailers as of April 2026:
| Retailer | 28x16 Black Granite | Engraving | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| SilkStone Memorial | K2 Black | Free | from $599 |
| Honor Life | ~$614 | Included | ~$664 |
| Markers & Headstones | $929 | Included | $929 |
| Memorials.com | ~$1,338 | Extra | ~$1,500+ |
| Legacy Headstones | $2,099 | Included | $2,099 |
| Local monument company | $1,500-$3,000 | $200-$500 extra | $2,000-$4,000+ |
Prices verified April 2026. Always confirm current pricing and check whether engraving is included before making a final comparison.
Why Black Granite Costs More (Usually)
Black granite is not quarried commercially in the United States. All of it is imported. Depending on origin, it travels from India, China, South Africa, Pakistan, or other countries before reaching an American retailer.
The typical supply chain: quarry, exporter, importer, wholesaler, retailer, and finally you. Each step adds 30-50% markup. That is why black granite from a local monument dealer can cost $2,000+ for a stone that originally left the quarry at a fraction of that price.
SilkStone sources K2 Black directly from our quarry partners in Pakistan's Himalayan mountains, cutting out the importer, wholesaler, and dealer margin. That is how we price K2 Black at $599 with free engraving included.
Types of Black Granite
Not all black granite is the same. Here are the most common varieties you will see when shopping for a headstone:
| Name | Origin | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Black / Jet Black | India | Pure deep black, fine grain, consistent color |
| K2 Black | Pakistan | Deep black, mirror polish, fine grain, no visible veining |
| Shanxi Black | China | Very dark with a slight gray undertone in some light |
| Galaxy Black | India | Black base with gold and silver mineral flecks |
| Belfast Black | South Africa | Deep black, medium grain, good polish |
For headstones, Absolute Black and K2 Black are the most popular choices because of their consistent deep black color and ability to hold a high mirror polish. When you see a retailer advertising "black granite" without specifying the origin, it is worth asking where the stone is quarried.
What Makes a Good Black Granite Headstone?
When evaluating any black granite marker, look for these five things:
- Mirror polish. A high-quality black granite headstone should have a highly reflective surface. This is what creates the dramatic contrast with engraved text.
- Consistent color. The stone should be uniformly deep black across the entire face, with no unexpected streaks, patches, or gray tones.
- Clean edges. Crisp, squared edges indicate careful cutting and finishing. Rough or chipped edges are a sign of lower craftsmanship or damage in transit.
- Deep engraving. Sandblasting with stencils is the industry standard for granite markers. It produces deep, lasting lettering that will not fade. Shallow or surface-level engraving can become harder to read over time.
- Sealed and finished. A properly finished stone is sealed to protect against water absorption and staining. Ask your retailer whether the stone is sealed before shipping.
Engraving on Black Granite
Black granite is one of the best surfaces for engraving. The deep black background provides maximum contrast with the frosted, lighter areas left by sandblasting. Common engraving approaches include:
- White or frosted engraving - the most common choice. Sandblasted areas appear white or frosted against the black, creating sharp, readable text.
- Gold-fill engraving - a premium option where engraved areas are filled with gold paint or metallic fill, creating an elegant look.
- Photo engraving - ceramic or laser-etched portrait medallions are particularly striking on a black granite background.
- Custom artwork - logos, religious symbols, landscapes, and custom designs engrave with exceptional detail on black granite.
At SilkStone, all standard engraving (name, dates, epitaph, and standard symbols) is included free with every stone. You approve a digital proof before we begin engraving, with revisions until the layout is exactly right.
Where to Buy
You have three main options for purchasing a black granite headstone:
Local monument dealer
You can see and touch the stone before buying, which some families prefer. The tradeoff is cost: local dealers operate showrooms, employ salespeople, and carry inventory. A comparable 28x16x3in black granite marker typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 from a local dealer, plus separate engraving charges.
Funeral home
Convenient, but usually the most expensive option. Funeral homes typically mark up headstones significantly. You are not obligated to purchase a headstone from the funeral home handling the service.
Online direct-to-consumer retailer
The most affordable option for most families. Online retailers skip the showroom and middleman markup. The key is finding one with a strong digital proof process, insured shipping, and a clear guarantee. SilkStone offers all three, with K2 Black starting at $599.
Tips for Buying Online
- Compare total price. Add engraving, shipping, and any other fees to get a true apples-to-apples comparison. A $600 stone with $300 in engraving charges and $200 in shipping costs more than a $599 stone with free engraving.
- Verify cemetery acceptance. Call your cemetery's office before ordering. Confirm that a 28x16x3in black granite flat marker meets their requirements. Most cemeteries accept this size and material, but rules vary.
- Insist on a digital proof. Before any engraving begins, you should receive a digital rendering of the final layout. This protects you from errors that cannot be undone.
- Check shipping insurance. A granite marker cracked in transit is a serious problem. Confirm the shipping includes full insurance for the value of the stone.
- Read the guarantee. Understand the return policy and what happens if the stone arrives damaged or the engraving contains errors.
Order K2 Black from SilkStone
Our K2 Black granite is sourced directly from Pakistan's Himalayan mountains, polished to a mirror finish, custom engraved to your specifications, and shipped fully insured to your door.
$599 for a 28x16x3in K2 Black granite flat marker with free engraving of names, dates, epitaph, and standard symbols. Standard production is 4-8 weeks. Rush production (2 weeks or less) is available.
View K2 Black granite or contact us with questions about your order.
