How to Buy and Export Building Stone from Zimbabwe: The Definitive Guide

Zimbabwe is a source of some of the finest building stone in the world. The country has an abundance of different types of rock, each one perfect for carving into columns, fascias and veneers. Whether you are planning to renovate your home or build a new property from scratch, this list should be your first port of call for sourcing that perfect stone finish. Whether you’re looking to invest in the local construction industry or just want to stock up on materials for future projects, these are some useful tips when buying and exporting building stone from Zimbabwe.

How to Buy Stone in Zimbabwe

There are several different ways to start sourcing stone in Zimbabwe. You could try visiting a quarry, or import company and physically selecting your stone. Alternatively, you could source stone from an agent, who will source stone on your behalf and arrange delivery. Agents usually charge a fee to cover their time and “fee for service”. The third option is to visit the stone market in Harare. This is the best and cheapest way to purchase stone. Most suppliers in the market will only sell smaller quantities, so if you are looking to import a large quantity you might need to go directly to a quarry.

Exporting Limestone from Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s abundance of limestone makes it a prime exporter. This soft rock is easy and cheap to mine, making it a highly accessible resource for Zimbabwe’s construction industry. Limestone can be used for a number of different applications, from paving slabs to kitchen worktops and countertops. The price of limestone fluctuates depending on the quality, colour and the source of the rock. The best limestone comes from the Midlands and Mashonaland provinces. The stone is usually grey in colour, but some patches can be white and almost marble-like. The limestone found in these regions is the best quality limestone exported from Zimbabwe.

Exporting Marble from Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has some of the finest marble in the world. The majority of the country’s marble comes from the same place as its limestone, the Midlands province. The most sought-after marble varieties are blue and grey marble. Blue marble is a rare and expensive variety of marble, and is only found in Zimbabwe. The colour of the marble is caused by the minerals present in the rock. Blue marble is in high demand for decorative finishes and is commonly used for columns, fascias, and other architectural elements. Blue is the most expensive and rarest marble variety in Zimbabwe. Grey marble is more common, and is also found in neighbouring countries such

Exporting Granite from Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is known for its abundance of pink granite, which is some of the finest in the world. This is the most common granite in Zimbabwe, and can be sourced from all over the country. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s reputation for low-quality, low-price granite has left the industry struggling. This has led to a decline in production, and has made sourcing high-quality pink granite from Zimbabwe an increasingly difficult task.

Exporting Basalt and Tuff from Zimbabwe

Basalt is a coarse-grained igneous rock that is commonly used as paving slabs in Zimbabwe. The best quality basalt comes from the eastern part of the country. These stones are usually grey or black in colour, and have a very rough finish. Tuff is a soft, fine-grained rock that is found in the central and western regions of Zimbabwe. The best quality tuff is usually a dark grey or black colour.

Final Words: Is it worth buying stone in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is a mineral-rich country, and has an abundance of different types of rocks that are perfect for building and construction. The best part is that the majority of these materials are very accessible and are much cheaper than those found in neighbouring countries. However, the industry is suffering due to the low value of the country’s currency, and the long-standing political unrest. This has made exporting stone from Zimbabwe a more difficult and expensive task. However, if you are looking for a unique finish for your home or building project, then it is definitely worth sourcing your stone from Zimbabwe.