Cleveland, OH -- The most comprehensive scientific study of health threats from granite countertops did not find a single stone slab that poses a health risk. Quantities of radon and radiation emitted by stones included in the analysis all fell well below average background levels commonly found in the U.S.

Torrington, CT -- The convergence of the masonry and quarry industries took a significant step forward as the Masonry Division of O&G Industries and Stony Creek Quarry Corp. announced a strategic alliance based on a shared vision to provide LEED®-certified quality granite to the marketplace. By engaging the companies at the material, business and marketing levels, the alliance will allow both companies to drive new growth opportunities and has the potential to ultimately transform project specifications, reaching higher LEED certification levels and meeting reduced carbon-footprint regulations.

Cleveland, OH -- A new national survey finds that by overwhelming majorities, U.S. consumers prefer granite countertops to any other countertop surface for their "dream kitchen," and they believe that granite countertops increase the resale value of a home.

The following is a sample of the stone materials that were on display in the halls of Marmomacc 2008.

VERONA, ITALY -- Closing its doors on Sunday, October 6, after four successful days, the Marmomacc Stone Fair in Verona, Italy, reported that the event succeeded expectations, and this sentiment was confirmed by many exhibitors at the exhibition.

VAN NUYS, CA -- Less than two months after it received its GreenGuard Certification, CaesarStone, an original quartz surface manufacturer, is expanding its eco-friendly partnerships even further by joining and becoming a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Ghines® and Alpha Professional Tools® are proud to announce their exclusive agreement for the distribution and service of the Ghines product line within the U.S. According to Alpha, Ghines customers can now benefit from the same quality and service that has built the company's reputation as a leader in the stone industry.

Nine days after Hurricane Ike made landfall in Texas, much of the region remains without power, and the stone industry has literally ground to a halt. The vast majority of stone fabricators and distributors in the area have remained closed as of the start of this week.

Marmo Meccanica S.p.A. has opened a new facility for its North America sales branch in Rochester Hills, MI.

HAUPPAUGE, NY -- Innovative Stone LLC has announced its latest partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to encourage eco-friendly building, education and green advocacy efforts throughout the building industry.