I saw some quarry process on a show once (okay twice) where they were cutting large slabs (forgot) with diamond powder on a cable. Probably took whole days to make some cuts.

Which was bigger, tougher version of the carbide encrusted cable I now have in a hacksaw frame. It's good for little cuts--MUST keep water flowing as it loads up in about 10 strokes. Advantages: non-dusty, not loud.