Laser Engraving Granite, Marble and Slate
A CO₂ laser engraves photos and text into polished black granite, marble and slate. Here is what works, and what to do about the dust.
How laser engraving on stone works
When a CO₂ laser hits polished black granite, it breaks up the polished surface and leaves a light grey mark. That is how laser photo-etched memorial portraits are made: the photo is converted to a halftone and engraved without paint or ink.
Stone doesn't need a high-wattage laser; 30 to 60 W engraves it well. What limits you is the size and weight of the piece, the height that fits under the lid, and dust control. Granite and quartz release respirable crystalline silica when engraved.
Typical jobs
- Photo portraits on black granite plaques and memorial inserts
- Pet memorial stones and garden markers
- Slate coasters, signs and gifts
- Address plaques and small building signs
- Marble and granite awards
- Tile engraving for feature walls
Materials that work
- Polished black granite
Best contrast for photos. Quality varies, so test a piece from each supplier.
- Slate
Engraves light grey with a natural finish. Cheap and popular for gifts.
- Marble
Lower contrast; often colour-filled after engraving.
Not sure about a material? Check the laser-safe materials guide.
Setups we usually recommend
- 1
Plaques and gifts
A Fusion Pro 24 or 36. Check the lid clearance against your thickest piece.
- 2
Larger panels
A Fusion Pro 48, or a Kern flatbed for large flat panels and tiles that fit its clearance.
- 3
Dust control
Extraction with HEPA filtration, sized for fine dust rather than just smoke.
Silica dust
Engraving granite, quartz and some other stone produces respirable crystalline silica. Use extraction with HEPA filtration, clean up with a HEPA vacuum (never compressed air or dry sweeping), and follow your provincial rules on silica exposure, such as WorkSafeBC's.
Laser-safe materials guide →Equipment and materials
Fusion Pro 24, 36 and 48 for granite, marble and slate.
View Epilog
The Kern EcoFlex with the Z12 Monument package, for engraving granite, marble and other stone.
View Kern
Filtered extraction with HEPA stages for fine dust. We size it to the stone work you do.
View FiltraBoxQuestions we get asked
What wattage do I need to engrave granite?
Not much. 30 to 60 W engraves granite and slate well. Spend the money on bed size, lid clearance and dust control instead.
Can a laser engrave a full headstone?
Only if it fits under the lid or in the machine's clearance. Most shops engrave plaques and inserts that are then set into the monument.
Is engraving stone dangerous?
The dust can be. Granite and quartz release respirable crystalline silica. Use HEPA-filtered extraction and follow your province's silica rules.
Adding stone engraving to your shop?
Tell us the size and thickness of your typical pieces. We'll check what fits and recommend the extraction to go with it.