Description
A dense, hard, coarse-grain, mottled igneous rock. Granite is composed of silica (quartz) and silicates (chiefly orthoclase and albite feldspars). It may also contain small amounts of mica, hornblende, or augite. Granite is widely distributed over the world and is found to a great extent within most mountain ranges. The multicolored stone usually contains white and gray grains mixed with speckles of black, red, pink, yellow or green. Granite is difficult to carve, but is very strong, durable, and polishes to a high gloss. It is an important indoor (countertops, flooring, tables, decoration) and outdoor building stone (monuments, curbing, statuary). Granite is also used for paper mill rollers.
Synonyms and Related Terms
granit, granite (Fr.); granito (Esp., Port.); Granit (Deut.); graniet (Ned.)
Hazards and Safety
Powder contains silica. Inhalation may cause silicosis.
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Last updated on: 7/7/2009 8:50:39 AM
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