Granite—The Earth’s Oldest Building Material

Granite is—quite literally—as old as the earth. It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of  diamond. Granite is an igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery  beginnings. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over theons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Typically revealed by outcrops, the deposits have been discovered on all the continents.

Composition "Granites are formed of an aggregate of crystals which are molded together without any interspace between them or which enclose one another. The magnificent crystallinity of granite is a striking characteristic." Geology of Granite, E. Raguin, London, 1965 p.3 It is accurate to speak of "granites," because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in color, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common: 
      Feldspar (50% or greater)
      Quartz (25-40%)
      Mica (3-10%) 

These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite its own color, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende,  magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals  may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and  texture of each granite deposit.