File:Bianco_Sardo_Granit_mit_polierter_Oberfläche.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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granite

Granite (, ) is a coarse-grained (phaneritic) intrusive igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar, mica and plagioclase. It forms from magma with a high content of silica and alkali metal oxides that slowly cools and solidifies underground. It is common in the continental crust of Earth, where it is found in igneous intrusions. These range in size from dikes only a few centimeters across to batholiths exposed over hundreds of square kilometers.

AI overview

Granite is a hard rock made mostly of quartz, feldspar, and mica that forms when hot, mineral-rich magma cools slowly underground. It is very common in Earth's continental crust and appears in a wide range of sizes, from small formations just a few centimeters wide to massive formations covering hundreds of square kilometers.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Rock.name: Granite
Rock.type: Igneous
Rock.image: Bianco Sardo Granit mit polierter Oberfläche.jpg
Rock.image_size: 300px
Rock.caption: Granite containing plagioclase feldspar, potassium feldspar, quartz, biotite, and/or amphibole
Rock.composition: potassium feldspar, plagioclase feldspar, and quartz
Rock.composition_secondary: Differing amounts of muscovite, biotite, and hornblende-type amphiboles
Rock.class: Felsic

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image: Gris Nevada.jpg

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Commons category: Granite
Commons gallery: Granite
Mohs' hardness: 6

Sources (6)

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~32 min read

Article

25 sections

Contents

Description
Physical properties
Chemical composition
Occurrence
Origin
Alphabet classification system
Granitization
Ascent and emplacement
Weathering
Natural radiation
Industry and uses
Antiquity
Modern
Sculpture and memorials
Buildings
Engineering
Paving
Curling stones
Countertops
Rock climbing
Gallery
See also
References
Further reading
External links

Granite is typical of a larger family of granitic rocks, or granitoids, that are composed mostly of coarse-grained quartz and feldspars in varying proportions. These rocks are classified by the relative percentages of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase (the QAPF classification), with true granite representing granitic rocks rich in quartz and alkali feldspar. Most granitic rocks also contain mica or amphibole minerals, though a few (known as leucogranites) contain almost no dark minerals.