Fact Sheet:

• Chemical Composition: Primarily composed of quartz, feldspar (orthoclase and plagioclase), and mica (biotite or muscovite)
• Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale
• Crystal System: Igneous, phaneritic (coarse-grained)
• Color Varieties: Pink, red, gray, white, black, and combinations thereof
• Major Localities: Brazil, India, China, the United States, Canada, and South Africa
• Common Uses: Countertops, construction materials, monuments, sculptures, and decorative stone

Introduction: Granite is one of the most common and widely used igneous rocks on Earth. Known for its durability, coarse grain, and wide range of colors, granite has played a crucial role in construction, architecture, and sculpture for centuries. It is a plutonic rock, meaning it forms deep beneath the Earth’s surface from the slow crystallization of magma, which allows its minerals to grow into large, easily visible crystals. Whether in the form of iconic monuments or polished kitchen countertops, granite is integral to modern construction and historical landmarks alike.

Formation: Granite forms as magma slowly cools and solidifies deep beneath the Earth’s crust, typically in large, dome-shaped structures known as plutons or batholiths. These formations occur in tectonically active regions, such as areas with continental collisions or volcanic arcs. The slow cooling process allows the minerals in granite—mainly quartz, feldspar, and mica—to crystallize into a coarse-grained texture. As tectonic forces uplift and expose these deep-seated rocks, they become part of the Earth’s surface, where they can be quarried.

Types and Colors: Granite’s color depends on the mineral composition, particularly the proportions of feldspar, quartz, and mica:

• Pink Granite: High in orthoclase feldspar, giving it a pinkish hue.
• Gray Granite: A balance of quartz and feldspar, often with dark specks of biotite or hornblende.
• White Granite: Dominated by lighter-colored feldspar and quartz, with small amounts of mica or hornblende.
• Black Granite (actually gabbro or diabase): Commonly marketed as granite due to its similar appearance, black “granite” is technically a gabbro or diabase.

Localities and Mining: Granite is found globally, with several key regions known for high-quality deposits:

• Brazil: One of the largest producers of granite, with extensive quarries exporting high-quality slabs.
• India: Known for producing a variety of granites, including famous types like Black Galaxy granite.
• China: A major player in granite quarrying and exporting, particularly for affordable building stone.
• United States: Significant deposits of granite are found in states like Vermont, South Dakota, and Georgia. The famous “Mount Rushmore” is carved into granite.
• Canada: Granite from the Canadian Shield is commonly quarried and used in construction.
• South Africa: Known for its rich deposits of granite, particularly in regions like Rustenburg.

Applications: Granite is valued for its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal, making it useful in a variety of applications:

• Construction Material: Granite’s resistance to weathering and wear makes it ideal for use in buildings, bridges, and paving. It is commonly used in the construction of countertops, flooring, and as an aggregate in concrete.
• Monuments and Sculptures: Granite is historically significant as a material for statues and monuments due to its hardness and long-lasting qualities. Famous examples include Mount Rushmore in the U.S. and Cleopatra’s Needle in London.
• Landscaping and Paving: Granite is used in outdoor paving, curbing, and as decorative gravel in landscaping projects.
• Countertops and Tiles: Granite’s aesthetic beauty, especially when polished, makes it a popular choice for countertops, tiles, and other interior design elements. It’s highly resistant to heat and scratches, making it a preferred material for kitchen countertops.