Birds fly above Ailsa Craig, the Scottish island that supplied all 64 curling stones used at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
From rock to rink —
Birds fly above Ailsa Craig, the Scottish island that supplied all 64 curling stones used at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
The volcanic plug boasts granite thought to be unique on this planet, which is quarried and marked up. In September, 2,000 tons were removed from the island.
From rock to rink —
The volcanic plug boasts granite thought to be unique on this planet, which is quarried and marked up. In September, 2,000 tons were removed from the island.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
Mass piles of granite are lined up on the island's stony beaches and lifted onto a boat to be ferried back to mainland Scotland and turned into curling stones.
From rock to rink —
Mass piles of granite are lined up on the island's stony beaches and lifted onto a boat to be ferried back to mainland Scotland and turned into curling stones.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
The granite excavated from the island is cut into 15 cm circular rocks and stacked up at Kays of Scotland, the sole company allowed to quarry Ailsa Craig for the Winter Games stones.
From rock to rink —
The granite excavated from the island is cut into 15 cm circular rocks and stacked up at Kays of Scotland, the sole company allowed to quarry Ailsa Craig for the Winter Games stones.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
Every stone is shaped to ensure they are all identical in size for their ensuing sports competitions.
From rock to rink —
Every stone is shaped to ensure they are all identical in size for their ensuing sports competitions.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
A machine cores a hole into the base of the curling stone, in this case the common green stone, and a mold of separate granite is added to make an even higher quality product.
From rock to rink —
A machine cores a hole into the base of the curling stone, in this case the common green stone, and a mold of separate granite is added to make an even higher quality product.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
The highly-sought-after blue hone granite is cut into small circular chunks which are then glued into the main stone hub. The blue hone is used on the underside as it is harder wearing on the ice.
From rock to rink —
The highly-sought-after blue hone granite is cut into small circular chunks which are then glued into the main stone hub. The blue hone is used on the underside as it is harder wearing on the ice.
World Curling Federation/Richad Gray
A machine then polishes the stone to ensure it has the required shiny finish.
From rock to rink —
A machine then polishes the stone to ensure it has the required shiny finish.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
Quality checks are carried out on every stone. Kays factory manager Billy Hunter says the checks for those used at Sochi are perhaps even 1-2% greater in terms of quality.
From rock to rink —
Quality checks are carried out on every stone. Kays factory manager Billy Hunter says the checks for those used at Sochi are perhaps even 1-2% greater in terms of quality.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
Finally, the stones are topped with their handles and ready for the ice in Russia.
From rock to rink —
Finally, the stones are topped with their handles and ready for the ice in Russia.
World Curling Federation/Richard Gray
Canada won the women's Olympic title in Sochi, avenging a defeat by Sweden four years ago on home ice in Vancouver.
From rock to rink —
Canada won the women's Olympic title in Sochi, avenging a defeat by Sweden four years ago on home ice in Vancouver.
Clive Mason/Getty Images