Here's why the #curling stones made for the #Olympics are so expensive. #Scotland #granite

Key Concepts

• Elsa Craig Granite: Unique granite sourced exclusively from the island of Elsa Craig, Scotland, used for Olympic curling stones.
• Blue Hone Granite: Type of Elsa Craig granite used for the running surface of curling stones.
• Common Green Granite: Type of Elsa Craig granite used for the striking surface of curling stones.
• Resilience: The ability of Elsa Craig granite to withstand impact and cold temperatures without cracking or splintering.
• K Scotland: The sole manufacturer of officially licensed Olympic curling stones.

The Exclusive Source of Olympic Curling Stones

The 132 curling stones destined for the 2026 Olympic Games are crafted from a highly specific type of granite sourced from a single location worldwide: the island of Elsa Craig, Scotland. This exclusivity is maintained by K Scotland, the only company licensed to produce official Olympic curling stones. The limited supply and high demand contribute to a significant cost – approximately $960 per stone, translating to over $15,000 for a complete set of 16.

Geological Uniqueness of Elsa Craig Granite

The granite from Elsa Craig is considered the “gold standard” for curling stone construction due to its unique geological properties. K Scotland utilizes two distinct types of granite sourced from the island: “Blue Hone” and “Common Green.” Blue Hone granite is specifically used for the portion of the stone that glides along the ice, while Common Green granite is employed for the striking surface – the part that impacts other stones.

Material Properties and Durability

The defining characteristic of Elsa Craig granite is its dense structure, which imparts exceptional resilience. Unlike other granite varieties prone to cracking or splintering, particularly in the cold temperatures and angled impacts inherent to curling, Elsa Craig granite maintains its structural integrity. Most other granite formations contain imperfections, such as “veins” – lines of weakness running through the stone. While not entirely without flaws, Elsa Craig granite exhibits significantly fewer of these imperfections. This density and lack of significant weaknesses are crucial for ensuring the stones can withstand the rigorous demands of Olympic competition.

Manufacturing and Further Information

K Scotland maintains a monopoly on the production of these stones, leveraging the unique properties of the Elsa Craig granite. For a more detailed exploration of the manufacturing process, viewers are directed to the full episode of “So Expensive” on the Business Insider YouTube channel.