A stone that carries its own galaxy inside it.
Black Galaxy Granite — known in some export markets as Star Galaxy or Starlite — is quarried almost exclusively from formations in the West Godavari and Khammam districts of Andhra Pradesh, South India. This stone's regional exclusivity is so commercially and culturally significant that it carries GI (Geographical Indication) status under Indian law, recognising both its geographic specificity and the economic importance of the quarrying communities of coastal Andhra Pradesh who depend on it.
Gemarix sources Black Galaxy through established Andhra Pradesh processing partners, with slab selection carried out to ensure the gold speckle density and distribution meets our export standard. Speckle density varies between quarry faces — some slabs show fine, uniformly distributed stars; others carry larger, denser clusters. We specify requirements at order stage so the material matches what the project expects.
Black Galaxy is geologically an anorthosite — a rock type composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar (labradorite) with intergrown pyroxene minerals, particularly hypersthene and bronzite. This makes it technically distinct from conventional granite, though it is sold commercially under the granite classification. The iconic gold and silver starburst speckles are bronzite crystals exhibiting schiller effect: when light strikes these crystals at certain angles, internal reflections from microscopic magnetite inclusions scatter as gold and copper-toned flashes that appear to move as the viewing angle shifts.
The deep black background results from the labradorite and pyroxene matrix absorbing most visible light — a geological characteristic, not a surface treatment. No two slabs are identical in their star pattern distribution: speckle density varies by quarry face and slab position, meaning each installation has a unique constellation pattern that cannot be exactly replicated.
The visual signature of Black Galaxy is unlike anything else in the natural stone trade. The deep black background is absolute — not dark grey, not charcoal, but a dense, light-absorbing black that reads as almost infinite depth on a polished surface. Scattered across it are gold, copper, and silver starburst speckles that catch and refract point-source light with a flash that appears to shift and move as the observer moves — the same optical phenomenon that makes labradorite gemstones prized by jewellers.
The density and distribution of the speckles varies meaningfully between slab batches. Fine-star slabs show a delicate, almost restrained galaxy effect. High-density slabs produce a dramatically bolder display that dominates a room. Both are commercially valid specifications; the choice depends on the scale and intensity of effect the design calls for. We recommend reviewing physical samples before finalising specification.
Black Galaxy carries genuine prestige within the international stone trade and commands a price premium that most sophisticated buyers understand and accept. Its primary application is luxury floor tiling — the speckle effect is fully visible from standing height, making it ideal for hotel and hospitality reception spaces, elevator lobby floors, ballroom and banquet hall flooring, and high-end residential entrance halls where the floor is as much a statement as any other design element.
Kitchen countertops represent a significant secondary application, where granite's practical durability combined with the gold speckles makes for a statement surface. Feature walls and bathroom floor-to-ceiling installations are increasingly common in luxury residential projects. Our gangsaw slabs provide the dimensional scale required for large-format lobby floor installations without visible joints.
Black Galaxy is available in two finishes only. Flamed finish is not recommended — the heat treatment disrupts the bronzite crystal surface structure and permanently eliminates the gold speckle effect.
Polished
Mirror gloss · fully activates gold speckle effect · the canonical specification for this stone
Honed
Flat matte · speckle effect intentionally suppressed · understated residential floors
Note: Polished is the only finish that fully activates the schiller light-reflection from the bronzite crystals. It is a non-negotiable specification for any application where the stone's distinctive character is the design intent.
Care requirements mirror those of Absolute Black Granite — the stone's exceptional density means almost nothing penetrates the surface under normal conditions. A damp cloth with a pH-neutral cleaner is sufficient for daily maintenance. No sealing is required for most applications, though we recommend a light impregnating sealer for kitchen countertop installations to simplify long-term upkeep.
Polished floors in high-traffic areas should be cleaned with a stone-safe neutral floor cleaner to preserve the mirror quality that makes the speckle effect visible. Avoid acidic cleaning products on polished interiors. Attend to grout line moisture rather than the stone surface itself — the stone is dense enough that moisture penetration through the face is not a concern in correctly installed applications.
South Indian Granite
