Winter Olympics viewers have been gripped by the curling.
The Beijing 2022 Games are only days old but the winter sport has attracted a lot of interest from an armchair audience back in the UK.
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While entertaining, curling is a sport that many UK fans won’t know much about despite Team GB athletes going strong in the first rounds of the Games.
Here is some information on the curling stone used in the event.
How heavy is the curling stone?
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There is no definite weight of a curling stone, but they must weigh between 17.24kg and 19.96kg (38lbs-44lbs) - this includes the handle and bolt on top.
They also have a maximum circumference of 91.44cm and a minimum height of 11.43cm.
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What is the curling stone made from?
Curling stones are made from granite which comes from Alisa Craig - an island off Scotland - and the Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales.
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Curling stones require this rare granite as it has low water absorption, which prevents the action of repeatedly freezing water from eroding the stone.
The company Kays of Scotland has the exclusive rights to the granite from Alisa Craig and Kays Curling Stones are the only ones to be used in competition by the World Curling Federation.
How much do curling stones cost?
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A new curling stone can cost you over £300, while you can get a used one for a little over £200 - thought his depends on quality and condition.
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