The Fascinating Process of Making Olympic Curling Stones

TLDRDiscover the intricate process of handcrafting Olympic curling stones from granite found on a remote Scottish island. From quarrying to shaping, learn why these stones are the gold standard for the sport and why they are worth their high price.

Key insights

🌍Olympic curling stones are made from granite found on Elsa Craig Island in Scotland.

💰A single Olympic curling stone costs over $600, making a full set worth $9,600.

🏆Each stone is meticulously crafted and could be thrown for a gold medal at the Olympic Games.

⛰️The granite from Elsa Craig Island is known for its density and resilience, making it ideal for curling stones.

🌎Curling's popularity has surged worldwide, leading to an increase in demand for Olympic curling stones.

Q&A

Where are Olympic curling stones made?

Olympic curling stones are made from granite found on Elsa Craig Island in Scotland.

How much does an Olympic curling stone cost?

A single Olympic curling stone costs over $600, and a full set of 16 stones is worth $9,600.

What makes the granite from Elsa Craig Island special?

The granite from Elsa Craig Island is known for its density and resilience, making it ideal for curling stones.

Why are Olympic curling stones so expensive?

The high cost of Olympic curling stones is due to the intricate and labor-intensive process of handcrafting each stone using premium materials.

Has the demand for Olympic curling stones increased?

Yes, the growing popularity of curling worldwide has led to an increase in demand for Olympic curling stones.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Olympic curling stones are handcrafted from granite found on Elsa Craig Island in Scotland.

02:59The granite is cut into slabs, and only the best sections are chosen for making curling stones.

04:20The selected granite slabs are carefully shaped and polished to meet the precise requirements for Olympic curling stones.

06:22The Winter Olympics brought back curling, increasing the demand for Olympic curling stones.

08:23The supply of granite from Elsa Craig Island is sustainable, with minimal impact on the island's resources.