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Uses of Granite in Chemistry Explained

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Key Properties and Practical Applications of Granite

Granite is one of the most common rocks that is known to human beings and is used quite extensively in our lives. It is classified as a form of igneous rock. Granite uses vary drastically in our world, but due to its extreme strength, it is used a lot. As far as the appearance of this rock is considered, it has quite a grainy surface that is large enough to be seen by the naked eye. So, to proceed with discussing the several uses of this stone, let us take a look at its other fundamental properties. 

 

How is Granite Formed?

Granite is an igneous rock, which means that it is formed when the magma of the volcano oxidises and then begins to slowly solidify under the ground. Since magma contains a variety of minerals and chemicals, various reactions lead to the formation of various kinds of igneous rocks. 

In the case of granite, the rock is made up mostly of quartz, with variable amounts of plagioclase and feldspar. When the magma of the volcano forms, silica (in high content) along with the oxides of alkali metals gradually solidify and lead to forming the granite stone. It is found mostly in the earth’s continental crust. 

 

Granite Properties 

The Physical Properties of this Stone are:

  • It has very dense silica content. Since the rock is made largely of silica from magma, it contains a large amount of silica. 

  • Due to the large presence of silica in its composition, granite is highly resistant to decay. 

  • Granite is an easily quarried stone. This is due to the presence of a mural joint. 

  • Similar to the quarrying, the rift and the grain that are present in abundance in granite make its dressing easy for utilising in various purposes. 

  • The igneous property of granite makes it incredibly polishable for construction purposes as a polished and hard surface can last relatively longer than other stones. 

  • Granite offers a reasonable resistance to fire due to the presence of fewer minerals. 

  • Similarly, Granite also offers a reasonable resistance to frost due to the presence of fewer minerals

  • Granite is relatively free from fractures. 

 

The Chemical Properties of this Stone are: 

  • Granite is an example of igneous rock and it, therefore, contains the most amount of silica in its core component that is made up of 70 to 77 % of silica. 

  • Alumina is also present in granite in 11 to 14 % of its chemical composition.

  • Potassium oxide and soda make up about 3 to 5 % of their composition. 

  •  Granite contains lime in about 1 % of its composition. 

  • Other components such as iron oxides, magnesium, titanium and water are also contained in this rock in variable quantities ranging from 1 % to 0.03 %.


Structure of Granite Molecule

The molecular structure of granite is as follows:


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Granite Rock Uses 

The resistible and hard surface of granite garners a lot of usage of the rock from humans both because of its sturdy nature and its shiny and polished appearance that is achieved very easily. So, to begin with, the uses of this stone are as follows: 

  1. Kitchen Uses: 

Granite is the most used in the kitchen of houses as kitchen countertops. Due to their polished and shiny appearance, they are used extensively in kitchens as countertops, backsplashes, etc., around the world. 

  1. Construction Uses: 

Granite buildings have also been observed to have a place in a lot of societies since the middle ages. Due to the sturdy nature of the stone and its frost and fire resistance, granite was and is still sometimes used to build buildings all around the world. Other than that, granite can also be used as a decorative stone to adorn the appearance of a building. 

  1. Flooring Uses: 

Granite flooring is also very prevalent in the world. Due to their strength and appearance, they are used in abundance in flooring, tiling, etc. 

  1. Miscellaneous Uses: 

Apart from the aforementioned uses, granite is also used in road making, where laying a base of granite gives the road required strength, they are also used in hanging bridges as reinforcement blocks to stand the weight of the bridge, etc. 


Did You Know? 

  • The Black Hills of South Dakota depicting the former four US presidents is carved on granite. 

  • Granite is the main component in the Earth’s continental crust.

There are various types of granite stone namely, Santa (St.) Cecilia granite, Uba Tuba granite, Kashmir White granite, (New) Venetian Gold granite, Giallo Ornamental granite, Tan Brown granite, Baltic Brown granite, Volga Blue granite, Black Galaxy granite, Bianco Antico granite, Black Pearl granite, and Absolute Black granite. As the names suggest, the categorization is done mainly based on colours which vary depending on the amount of these minerals in the granite stone: quartz, feldspar, potassium feldspar, biotite, muscovite, and amphibole. 


Types of Granite

There are various types of granite stone namely, Santa (St.) Cecilia granite, Uba Tuba granite, Kashmir White granite, (New) Venetian Gold granite, Giallo Ornamental granite, Tan Brown granite, Baltic Brown granite, Volga Blue granite, Black Galaxy granite, Bianco Antico granite, Black Pearl granite, and Absolute Black granite. As the names suggest, the categorisation is done mainly based on colours which vary depending on the amount of these minerals in the granite stone: quartz, feldspar, potassium feldspar, biotite, muscovite, and amphibole. 

Granite is a light-coloured igneous rock having grains that are large enough for the naked eye to see. It forms below the surface of the earth by the slow crystallisation of magma. Granite is majorly composed of minerals like quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. This mineral composition is responsible for the red, pink, grey, or white colour of granite with dark mineral grains visible throughout the rock.

Granite is one of the most recognized igneous rocks. Many people are familiar with granite because it is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's surface and is used to make many objects that they encounter in their day to day life. It is used to make countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, stair treads, building veneer, and cemetery monuments. Granite is used all around us - especially in building the infrastructure of modern-day cities.

Slow crystallisation of magma below the earth's surface leads to the formation of granite rock. The large mineral crystals that are visible in the rock proves that it cooled slowly from the molten rock material. The slow cooling process had to have occurred beneath Earth's surface and required a long period of time to occur. The presence of the rock at the earth's surface today indicates that the granite rocks were uplifted and the overlying rocks were eroded over time.

 

Uses and Applications of Granite

Granite is one of the toughest substances known to mankind. It has been extensively used for thousands of years due to its toughness and strength for various construction purposes

Here are some of the most important Granite applications:

  • Granite is used in jewellery making.

Granite is formed by the crystallisation of magma which makes the rock extremely beautiful. Some rare granites are used for making jewellery and gemstones. For example – Blue tint found in the Himalayas known as K2 Azurite granite is a rare stone and is used as a gemstone.

  • Used for Building Monuments

Structures like temples, gravestones or monuments which are supposed to stand the test of time are usually made of granite. The trend has changed these days and there are many materials that are used for the same but before the existence of modern machinery and equipment, granite was the only rock used for building important monuments.

  •  Used in making Fireplace Mantle and Floor

Granite is extensively used for making fireplace mantle, usually in countries having cold weather conditions throughout the year, it makes the fireplace mantle look beautiful thus making the living room more attractive for a family and friends get-together. Sleek and perfect flooring with less maintenance can also be achieved by using granite in the floor. Granite tiles are available in different shapes and sizes along with beautiful patterns.

  •  Used in Bathroom, Shelves, Tabletops, Basins

Granite provides a unique look for kitchen tops, shelves, tabletops and basins and also provides strength and durability. It looks elegant and is very easy to clean thus used extensively for these purposes. There are various granite basins available in the market. These are water-resistant and the maintenance is also very easy.

  • Miscellaneous Uses: 

Apart from the aforementioned uses, granite is also used in road making, where laying a base of granite gives the road required strength, they are also used in hanging bridges as reinforcement blocks to stand the weight of the bridge, etc. 

 

Conclusion

This study resource on Granite and its uses provides comprehensive coverage of what granite is, how it is formed, what its physical and chemical properties are and what are its numerous applications.

FAQs on Uses of Granite in Chemistry Explained

1. What are the most common uses of granite in our daily lives?

Granite is a very popular natural stone with many uses due to its strength and beauty. You can commonly find it in:

  • Kitchens and Bathrooms: Used for countertops because it is strong, waterproof, and heat-resistant.
  • Flooring: Chosen for homes and public buildings to create a durable and elegant surface.
  • Monuments and Statues: Its strength ensures that memorials and sculptures can last for centuries.
  • Building Exteriors: Used as facing stones on buildings to give them a polished, impressive finish.
  • Paving and Kerbstones: For roads and sidewalks because it can withstand heavy traffic and weathering.

2. What is granite made of?

Granite is an igneous rock primarily composed of two main minerals: quartz and feldspar. It also contains smaller amounts of other minerals like mica and amphibole. The specific combination and ratio of these minerals are what give each piece of granite its unique colour and pattern, ranging from white and grey to pink and black.

3. Why is granite considered so hard and durable?

Granite's incredible hardness comes from its formation process. It is an igneous rock, which means it was formed from magma that cooled slowly deep within the Earth's crust. This slow cooling allowed large, interlocking mineral crystals, particularly very hard quartz, to form. These tightly packed crystals create a dense and rigid structure, making granite highly resistant to scratches, pressure, and general wear and tear.

4. How is granite used in building and construction projects?

In construction, granite is highly valued for its strength and long-lasting nature. It is used as a structural stone for building walls and foundations. It is also cut into blocks and slabs for paving roads and creating kerbs. For aesthetic purposes, polished granite is often used as a veneer or cladding on the outside of large buildings and for making durable, attractive pillars and columns.

5. How is granite different from marble in terms of its best uses?

While both are beautiful stones used in building, their properties make them suitable for different applications. Granite is much harder and more resistant to acid and stains, making it ideal for high-use areas like kitchen countertops and outdoor paving. In contrast, marble is softer and more porous, meaning it can be stained or damaged by common acidic substances. Therefore, marble is typically used for less-demanding surfaces like bathroom vanities, decorative flooring, and sculptures, where its unique veined beauty is the main priority.

6. How does the way granite is formed affect its properties?

Granite is formed from magma that cools very slowly deep beneath the Earth's surface. This process, known as intrusive igneous formation, is directly responsible for its most useful properties:

  • Hardness: The slow cooling allows large, hard crystals of quartz to grow.
  • Strength: The mineral crystals grow into an interlocking pattern, creating a very strong structure.
  • Variety of Colours: The specific mix of minerals in the original magma determines its final appearance.

These properties make it perfect for applications that require durability and beauty, such as countertops and building materials.

7. Where is granite found, and does its origin change how it looks?

Granite is a major component of the Earth's continental crust and is quarried in mountain ranges all over the world. Yes, its place of origin greatly affects its appearance. The specific mix of minerals in the local magma determines the granite's final colour and pattern. For example, a high amount of potassium feldspar can give granite a distinct pink colour, while other minerals can create black, grey, or white varieties.