Granite bits and sandblasting over a rubber stencil. Leaving the letters, numbers, and emblems exposed on the stone, the blaster can create virtually any kind of artwork or epitaph. The stone known as "black granite" is usually gabbro, which has a completely different chemical composition. Granite has been extensively used as a dimension stone and as flooring tiles in public and commercial buildings and monuments. Aberdeen in Scotland, which is constructed principally from local granite, is known as "The Granite City". Because of its abundance in New England, granite was commonly used to build foundations for homes there. The Granite Railway,
USS Granite City (1863) United States from the New York City prize court for $55,000 and delivered to the Navy at New York City 16 April 1863, Acting Master Charles W. Lamson in command. Assigned to the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, "Granite City" arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, for duty 27 August 1863. She was detained for a time in quarantine because of sickness on board, but departed 4 September to take part in the ill-fated Sabine Pass Expedition, which was intended to provide a Union lodgment in Texas and prevent possible French moves into that State from Mexico. "Granite City" was ideally suited