1. Formation & Nature
• Granite is an igneous rock, formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.
• It is intrusive (forms underground) and coarse-grained, meaning its mineral crystals are large enough to be seen with the naked eye.
2. Composition
• Major minerals: Quartz, plagioclase feldspar, alkali feldspar.
• Minor minerals: Mica (biotite, muscovite), amphibole, pyroxene.
• These minerals give granite its speckled appearance, often with pink, white, gray, or black grains.
3. Physical Properties
• Color: Light-colored, ranging from pink to gray.
• Texture: Coarse-grained, crystalline.
• Density: Around 2.64 g/cm³ (range: 2.50–2.81 g/cm³).
• Hardness: Very durable, resistant to weathering and abrasion.
4. Occurrence
• Found in continental crust, often in large igneous intrusions called batholiths.
• Can also appear in smaller formations like dikes and sills.
5. Uses
• Construction: Widely used for building blocks, flooring, and monuments due to its strength.
• Decorative: Polished granite is popular for countertops, tiles, and sculptures.
• Engineering: Used in bridges, paving, and as crushed stone for road building.
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