Granite is a hard igneous stone that is formed over millions of years by volcanic activity. Magma flows from volcanic activity and slowly cools over millions of years. During the process, magma combines with various minerals including hornblende, feldspar, mica and quartz to create its “crystal appearance”
Granite is made up of interlocking mineral crystals, the most common being feldspar and quartz. But an array of other minerals can be included, and these make each piece of granite unique.
Granite is the most durable, chip and scratch resistant material. Granite is a strong stone because its mineral grains have grown tightly together during a very slow cooling period. Additionally, the quartz and feldspar that compose it are harder than steel. This makes granite desirable for buildings and ornamental purposes,such as gravestones and monuments.
Granite has been a top choice for a very long time
Stone Characteristics
Primarily made of Quartz (35%), Feldspar (45%) and Potassium. Usually has darker colors. Contains very little calcite, if any. Provides a heavy crystalline and granular appearance with mineral grains. It is very hard material and easier to maintain than marble. Yet, it is still porous and will stain. There are different types of granite depending on the percentage mix of quartz, mica and feldspar. Black granite is known as an Anorthosite. It contains very little quartz and feldspar and has a different composition than true granite.
Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. This mineral composition usually gives granite a red, pink, gray, or white color with dark mineral grains visible throughout the rock.
Granite is the best-known igneous rock. Many people recognize granite because it is the most common igneous rock found at Earth’s surface and because granite is used to make many objects that we encounter in daily life. These include counter tops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, stair treads, building veneer, and cemetery monuments.
