ISHIMO’s mission is to convey Japan’s stone culture to people and connect it to the future. In our series, exploring the charm of stones, we introduce various domestic stones handled by ISHIMO. Through stone, take the opportunity to explore Japan’s environment and culture and rediscover its beauty.
On today’s blog, we will be excavating Aji Stone, uncovering its characteristics and attractiveness!
What is Aji Stone?
Aji Stone is a granite that is mined exclusively in the Aji region, located in the northeastern part of Kagawa Prefecture. Aji is recognized as one of Japan’s three major stone-producing areas, and Aji Stone is often referred to as the “diamond of granite,” known for its exceptional quality. Features such as fine texture, luster, beautiful grain, and strong durability have made it beloved by many for a wide range of applications, including sculptures, lanterns, and gravestones.
Elegant Speckled Patterns “Ban”
The surface of Aji Stone showcases unique speckled patterns, known as “ban,” reminiscent of clouds floating in the sky. These patterns add a sense of richness and luxury to the stone. When polished, the surface reveals a mystical double mottled effect, a characteristic that is unique to Aji Stone.
Mirror-like Beautiful Luster
Through meticulous polishing, Aji Stone develops a refined mirror-like sheen. The polished finish helps the stone maintain its attractive look over time, making it more resistant to wear and tear. As a result, the beauty of Aji Stone can endure, remaining lustrous and striking even as time goes on.
Aji Fine Grain
Composed of crystals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, Aji Stone is classified by the size of its grains into fine, medium-fine, and medium. The top-tier Aji fine grain stone, when polished, takes on a fresh luster, and its elegance is said to be unparalleled.
Hard and Highly Durable
Compared to other granites, Aji Stone is exceptionally hard, making it resistant to chipping during processing, which allows for intricate craftsmanship. It has low water absorption and is resilient against weathering and erosion, even when used outdoors for many years.
Aji Stone possesses dazzling beauty and durability, allowing it to showcase its charm for many years. ISHIMO carefully selects only the most high-quality stone materials from domestic production areas, offering products crafted by traditional artisans and skilled stone masons who continue to practice age-old techniques. We invite you to take a look at our online shop!