Block Dimensions and Factory Requirements

Specifying the right block dimensions is critical for efficient factory operations. Blocks must fit your processing equipment and be large enough to produce slabs at economically viable sizes.

Standard quarry blocks in Iran are typically 2–3 cubic meters, measuring approximately 240×120×120 cm or similar. These blocks fit most gang saws and block cutters and are the default size from most quarries.

Large blocks up to 5–6 cubic meters (approximately 290×190×190 cm or larger) are available on request, particularly from Dehbid quarries. Large blocks are more efficient for gang saw processing because they produce more slabs per cutting cycle and yield larger slab formats. However, not all quarries can consistently produce large blocks, and they command a price premium.

Small blocks (under 2 cubic meters) are sometimes available at a discount but are less efficient for gang saws. They may be suitable for block cutters or for factories producing smaller format tiles.

When specifying dimensions, provide your supplier with:

• Maximum block dimensions your gang saw or cutter can accept (length, width, height)
• Minimum block dimensions that are economically viable for your equipment
• Preferred weight range (typically 20–30 tons for a standard 20-foot container)
• Any shape preferences (e.g., rectangular blocks rather than irregular shapes)

FOB Bandar Abbas Pricing

Direct quarry supply eliminates the trader margins that apply when blocks pass through intermediaries. FOB Bandar Abbas pricing for Iranian white marble blocks ranges from $250 to $500 per ton, depending on the variety, grade, and block size.

Dehbid white marble:

• Super grade: $400–$500 per ton
• First grade: $300–$400 per ton
• Commercial grade: $250–$300 per ton

Harsin white marble:

• Super grade: $300–$380 per ton
• First grade: $250–$320 per ton
• Commercial grade: $200–$250 per ton

Neyriz Crystal white marble:

• First grade: $280–$360 per ton
• Commercial grade: $220–$280 per ton

Large blocks (over 4 cubic meters) typically carry a 10–20% premium over standard blocks due to their scarcity and higher yield potential. Prices are quoted per ton, and a standard 20-foot container holds 25–28 tons of marble blocks.

Pricing is influenced by market demand, quarry production levels, and seasonal factors. Demand for Dehbid super grade is consistently high, and prices can firm during peak construction seasons. Negotiating a fixed-price supply agreement can protect your factory from price fluctuations.

Evaluating Block Yield

Block yield — the ratio of usable finished slabs to raw block weight — is one of the most important factors in determining your actual cost per square meter of finished product. A lower-priced block with poor yield can end up costing more per square meter than a higher-priced block with excellent yield.

Factors affecting yield include:

• Block integrity: Cracks, fractures, and voids reduce yield. Super grade blocks have the highest yield.
• Block shape: Rectangular blocks yield more than irregular shapes, as there is less waste during squaring.
• Veining patterns: Heavy or irregular veining may require cutting around defects, reducing usable slab area.
• Hardness and cutting behavior: Softer marbles cut faster but may have more breakage; harder marbles take longer but can produce more intact slabs.

Ask your supplier about typical yield for the specific quarry and grade. A reputable quarry-direct supplier should be able to provide yield data from previous shipments. For a new supplier, a trial container is the best way to verify yield under your factory’s actual processing conditions.

For more on evaluating suppliers, see our guide on how to verify an Iranian stone supplier’s authenticity and quarry certificates.

How to Source Direct Quarry Supply of Iranian White Marble Blocks

1. Identify the white marble variety

Iran produces several white marbles: Dehbid (high-purity white with subtle veins), Harsin (creamy white), and Crystal (Neyriz, with crystalline structure). Each has different processing characteristics. Match the variety to your factory’s product line — Dehbid for premium slabs, Harsin for mid-range tiles, and Neyriz Crystal for decorative applications.

2. Specify block grade and dimensions

Factories need blocks that fit their gang saw or block cutter. Specify maximum and minimum block dimensions, grade (super, first, commercial), and required yield ratio. Provide your equipment’s cutting dimensions and preferred weight range. Clear specifications prevent receiving blocks that do not fit your production line.

3. Request quarry-direct FOB pricing

Direct quarry pricing eliminates trader margins. Request FOB Bandar Abbas per-ton pricing for your specified grade and dimensions. White marble blocks typically range from $250 to $500 per ton. Compare pricing across multiple quarries for the same grade and variety to ensure competitive rates.

4. Evaluate block yield

Ask the supplier about typical block yield — the ratio of usable slabs to raw block weight. High-yield blocks reduce your cost per square meter of finished slabs. Request yield data from previous shipments and consider how yield affects your true cost per square meter, not just the per-ton price.

5. Plan a trial container

For a new quarry source, order one trial container (25–28 tons) to evaluate block quality, yield, and processing performance before committing to regular supply. Process the trial blocks through your standard production line and measure yield, slab quality, and any processing issues. This small investment prevents costly mistakes with larger orders.

6. Establish a supply agreement

Once quality is confirmed, negotiate a supply agreement with fixed pricing, monthly volume, block specifications, and delivery schedule for consistent factory feedstock. A formal agreement protects both parties and ensures your factory has reliable input material. Include specifications for grade, dimensions, yield expectations, and pricing terms.

For the broader export process from quarry to your factory, see our guide on how to import natural stone blocks from Iran step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main white marble varieties quarried in Iran?

The main Iranian white marbles are Dehbid (high-purity white with subtle gray veins from Fars province), Harsin (creamy white from Kermanshah), and Neyriz Crystal (white with crystalline structure from Fars). Each has distinct processing and aesthetic characteristics that make it suitable for different product lines and market segments.

How much do Iranian white marble blocks cost per ton FOB Bandar Abbas?

FOB prices for Iranian white marble blocks range from $250 to $500 per ton depending on variety, grade, purity, and block size. Dehbid super grade is at the upper end; Harsin commercial grade is more affordable. Large blocks over 4 cubic meters carry a premium of 10–20%.

What block dimensions do Iranian white marble quarries produce?

Standard quarry blocks are typically 2–3 cubic meters (approximately 240x120x120 cm), but larger blocks up to 5–6 cubic meters are available on request. Specify your gang saw’s maximum cutting dimensions to ensure the blocks fit your equipment and produce the slab sizes you need.

Can I get a trial container of white marble before a long-term supply agreement?

Yes. Most quarry-direct suppliers accept a trial container order so factories can evaluate block quality, yield, and processing performance. StoneBuySell can arrange a trial container of Dehbid, Harsin, or Crystal white marble. A trial container is the single best way to verify a new supplier’s quality.

What is block yield and why does it matter for stone factories?

Block yield is the ratio of usable finished slabs to raw block weight. Higher yield means less waste and lower cost per square meter. Ask your supplier about typical yield for the specific quarry and grade, and verify it with a trial container before committing to large volumes.

Can StoneBuySell supply consistent monthly volumes of white marble blocks?

Yes. We work with multiple white marble quarries and can arrange monthly supply agreements with fixed specifications and pricing. Contact us on WhatsApp to discuss your factory’s volume requirements, and we will match you with the right quarry source for your product line.