Granite, coarse- or medium-grained intrusive igneous rock that is rich in quartz and feldspar; it is the most common plutonic rock of the Earth’s crust, forming by the cooling of magma (silicate melt) at depth.
Learn about the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to identify the quarry that was the source of granite found in ancient Roman ruins Learn about the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to identify the quarry that was the source of granite found in ancient Roman ruins See all videos for this article Because of its use as paving block and as a building stone, the quarrying of granite was, at one time, a major industrial activity. Except for tombstones, however, for which there is a continuing demand, the present production of granite is geared to the fluctuating market for curbing in highway construction and veneer used in the facing of large industrial and commercial buildings.
Granite may occur in dikes or sills (tabular bodies injected in fissures and inserted between other rocks), but more characteristically it forms irregular masses of extremely variable size, ranging from less than eight kilometres (five miles) in maximum dimension to larger masses (batholiths) that are often hundreds or thousands of square kilometres in area.
The principal constituent of granite is feldspar. Both plagioclase feldspar and alkali feldspar are usually abundant in it, and their relative abundance has provided the basis for granite classifications. In most granite, the ratio of the dominant to the subdominant feldspar is less than two. This includes most granites from the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, southwestern England, the Fennoscandian (Baltic Shield) area, western and central France, Spain, and many other areas. Granites in which plagioclase greatly exceeds alkali feldspar are common in large regions of the western United States and are thought to be characteristic of the great series of batholiths stretching from Alaska and British Columbia southward through Idaho and California into Mexico. Granites with a great excess of alkali feldspar over plagioclase are known from New England; they occur in smaller bodies at numerous sites in British Paleogene and Neogene rocks and in the Oslo region of Norway, but their most extensive development is in northern Nigeria.
Rocks containing less than 20 percent quartz are almost never named granite, and rocks containing more than 20 percent (by volume) of dark, or ferromagnesian, minerals are also seldom called granite. The minor essential minerals of granite may include muscovite, biotite, amphibole, or pyroxene. Biotite may occur in granite of any type and is usually present, though sometimes in very small amounts. The sodic-amphiboles and pyroxenes (riebeckite, arfvedsonite, aegirine) are characteristic of the alkali granites. If neither feldspar is in great excess, neither amphibole nor pyroxene is likely to be an essential constituent; the other minerals will then ordinarily be either biotite or muscovite, or both.
There are two major source regions for producing molten granite: igneous and sedimentary protoliths (source rocks). These result in I-type granitoids, derived from igneous protoliths and containing moderate amounts of Al2O3 and high amounts of Na2O, and S-type granitoids, derived from sedimentary protoliths and containing high amounts of Al2O3 and relatively low amounts of Na2O. Amphibole and pyroxene are more common in I-type granitoids, while S-type granitoids may have garnet, cordierite, and sillimanite. Both types of granitoids may also contain biotite and muscovite.
Granite: One Of The Most Durable Materials Known To Man.”You might have seen granite as a stone in your local or national park, or maybe you’ve seen it on your kitchen countertops. Granite is a rock created when quartz and feldspar met in the Earth’s crust. It has been durable and aesthetic for centuries because it is strong, resistant to scratches and stains, and has a natural look. Plus, It is very affordable when compared to other materials.
It is also available on the market in many different colors and styles. It is a popular choice for consumers, who often utilize it in the kitchen, bathroom, and countertops. Granite has become one of the main choices for countertops and flooring. It is a durable and long-lasting material that can handle heavy impacts, making it an excellent choice for your home. The Granite Price starts from Rs 60-2000 Per Square Foot.
Benefits Of Granite:-
Granite is durable and strong.
Granite is Affordable and has a beautiful appearance
Granite is Eco-friendly
Granite is timeless and easy to clean.
It comes in many colors and styles.
Granite is a great option for homes with kids or pets because it’s non-toxic and immune to scratches.
Granite is a heat and water-resistant material, so it can be used in places where other materials may not be safe or practical.
Granite is resistant to stains and scratches.
Granite is commonly used as a surface for countertops and other surfaces because it has a high resistance to wear and tear.
Granite’s natural appearance lends itself well to contemporary and traditional designs.
