What is Granite?

Granite is an igneous rock that forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface.

It 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. 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 they encounter in daily life. These include countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, stair treads, building veneer, and cemetery monuments.

Fun Facts about Granite

1. Granite is an igneous rock

   Granite is an igneous rock – one that is formed by the cooling and solidification of magma.

2. Granite is one of the oldest rocks in the world

   It has been estimated that granite has been around for as long as 300 million years.

3. The name is derived from Latin

   The name ‘granite’ is derived from the Latin word ‘granum’, which refers to a coarse grain.

4. Granite is made up of many minerals

   Granite is composed of many minerals, including quartz and feldspar.

5. Granite is a plutonic rock

   Granite is a plutonic rock – one that forms from the cooling of magma beneath the earth’s surface.

6. Granite is one of the hardest materials in the world

   Granite ranks at an 8 on the Mohs scale, which is used to measure hardness. The scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.

7. Granite was used in famous structures

   The natural stone has been utilized as a building material since the time of Ancient Egyptians. Some examples of structures built from granite include Mount Rushmore and the base of the Statue of Liberty.

8. Granite led to one of the first commercial railroads in the United States

   Granite has always been an in-demand building material. Because of this, it helped lead to the creation of one of the United States’ first commercial railroad systems, referred to as the Granite Railway.

9. Granite can have fissures

   Fissures are naturally occurring separations in the stone that do not compromise granite’s structural integrity.

10. Granite can damage knives

    Because granite is so hard, it can actually damage any kitchen knives that cut on the surface. It is always recommended to use a cutting board.

11. Granite can be found in many different colors and styles

    Granite can be found in a multitude of colours and patterns.

12. Granite is easy to care for

    Granite is one of the easiest natural stone surfaces to care for. The only true maintenance you will have to worry about is cleaning and re-sealing, both of which are very simple processes.