where curling stones are made

Curling stones are primarily made from granite quarried on Ailsa Craig, a remote uninhabited island off Scotland's west coast. This unique granite, prized for its density and low water absorption, ensures the stones withstand repeated freezing and thawing on the ice.

Granite Origins

Ailsa Craig provides two key varieties: Blue Hone and Ailsa Craig Common Green , both quartz-free to prevent erosion. While Trefor granite from Wales is occasionally used, Ailsa Craig remains the gold standard, especially for elite play. Harvesting happens roughly every decade due to the island's limited supply.

Manufacturing Process

Kays Scotland , based in Mauchline, East Ayrshire, is the sole accredited producer for Olympics and World Championships, holding exclusive rights since 1851. Granite chunks (up to 20 tons) are pried from the rock face, sawn into slabs, then hand-shaped over 5+ hours per stone—lathed, balanced, polished, and tested. Finished stones weigh 38-44 pounds, with a 36-inch max circumference and 4.5-inch height.

Why So Exclusive?

Only Kays crafts competition-grade stones, blending tradition with precision for uniform performance. Recent batches for Milano Cortina 2026 highlight their hands-on methods amid global interest.

Granite Type| Source| Key Traits
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Blue Hone| Ailsa Craig, Scotland 4| Densest; ideal for elite curling
Common Green| Ailsa Craig, Scotland 4| Durable, low absorption
Trefor| Wales quarry 46| Reliable alternative

"Kays Scotland... produced the new stones delivered for Milano Cortina 2026, and the process is still stubbornly hands-on."

TL;DR: Ailsa Craig granite, crafted exclusively by Kays Scotland in East Ayrshire—unmatched for Olympic curling since 1851.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.