What is granite

Where does granite occur?
Knowing what is granite is not enough if you do not know how it occurred. Currently granite is only known on Earth. A major part of the continental crust is formed by the granite. It often occurs as small, less than 100 km2 stock masses. It also occurs in batholiths, which are mostly associated with orogenic mountain ranges. The small dikes of granite composition are called aplites. These are associated with the margins of granite intrusions. Coarse-grained pegmatite masses occur with granite in some of the locations. Granite can found in the crust of the Earth during all geologic periods. To gain understanding of what is granite, you must know that granite rock is widely spread throughout the continental crust of the Earth. Granite is the most abundant basement rock that lies beneath the relatively thin sedimentary veneer of the continents. Knowing how it occurred will give you a better understanding of what is granite.

What is the origin of granite?
After learning what is granite and how it occurs, next is the origin. When it comes the origin of granite there are two theories. Granite being an igneous rock has been though t of being formed from magma. But there has not been any instance in which a volcano has erupted and emitted granite. The first theory i.e. the magnetic theory states that granite is formed by the crystal fractionation of magma. Hence, granite bodies are the result of liquid magma intruding in to the existing rocks. The second theory i.e. the granization theory states that the granite is formed in places due to extreme metamorphism. Both the theories are useful in explaining the different observed features, and both have evidence to support them. With the information of origin you get a better idea of what is granite.

What are the uses of granite?
Knowledge about what is granite is not complete unless you also know what is granite used for. One of the most familiar uses of granite is kitchen countertops. You must be wondering what is granite use in that. The solid slab found usually found on top of the cabinets is made from a solid slab of granite which is cut to custom shape and edge finished. Granite blocks can also be found used in buildings. This gives the building a rough look. A combination of rough and finished granite produces an elegant appearance. What is granite paving? Granite paving stones are used as a colorful way to pave your driveway. All this information will give you helpful knowledge as to what is granite.