By Jodi Paper

Innumerable types of natural stone exist in all parts of the world. Many of these stones are well suited to nearly any building project. Considered by many to be one of the most versatile natural stones, granite features many styles and colors, offering users strength and durability. "Next to the diamond," said Bill Ruoff, sales director of Dakota Granite Company in Milbank, S.D., "granite is the most durable natural material available for construction."

Although the company began in 1925 as a quarrier and manufacturer of Dakota mahogany monuments, Dakota Granite Company's repertoire has since grown to include everything from slabs to civic memorials to custom countertops. "We are quarriers and manufacturers, so we can build just about anything from large personal mausoleums to small wall plaques," said Ruoff. "We were privileged to build the memorial for the USS Cole, and we have done many war memorials for communities around the country through our network of memorial retailers." Other major projects include the new South Dakota Governor's mansion, projects in Texas and Tokyo, and a hospital in Malaysia.

Arnold Abatecola, president of A-stone Inc., located in Johnston, R.I., sees granite as having at least two distinctive qualities: "I think of granite as number one, being one of the hardest materials on earth," he said. "And,umber two, the multitude of colors make it so easy to coordinate it with any job you are trying to accomplish." Abatecola knows his way around natural stone, thanks to experience in the landscaping and masonry businesses since 1965.

For interior applications such as countertops, stairs, flooring and rails, as well as for exterior applications such as retaining walls, building and house veneers, steps, posts and curbing, granite is unmatched. Why? "Because of its durability and beauty," said Abatecola.

Peter Weis, vice president and project manager of W.R.Weis Company Inc., which specializes in all stone-work projects — from large commercial interiors and exteriors to plazas, parks and small tenant build-outs — agreed. "Granite is a very durable building material," he said. "No matter what it is used for, cladding or paving, or what color you choose: blue, black, white, et cetera."

W.R. Weis Company Inc. furnished and installed all of the stonework for the Hyatt Center in Chicago, a 48-story office tower. "Our work included all of the Virginia Mist granite, which was used for all of the interior and exterior wall cladding, paving, vanities and planters," Weis said.

"The one thing that is inherent about granite, that people cannot choose, is what the material represents." Weis continued. "It represents a sense of wealth and stability. These qualities will never change."