2006-08-23 06:40:30 · 12 answers · asked by ed e 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock (crystalized at depth). It's main components are Quartz, K-feldspar, and Plagioclase. It is a high-silica rock (>63% SiO2) but can have mafic minerals like biotite and amphibole.
This is a very common rock that forms in orogenesis and volcanism, though it only forms below the volcano (usually ~& km down). Rocks of thius type are called granitiods, because the term granite is very specific in minerology and composition (see second link). Granitoids are assumed to be equivalent in composition to general continental crust. The most common is the grannodiorite, which is slightly less felsic (lower SiO2) then pure granite. For example, the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite NP are mostly granodiorite.
2006-08-23 06:50:07 · answer #1 · answered by QFL 24-7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A coarse grained igneous rock,( ie solidified from molten magma ) the 3 main constituents are quartz, mica and felspar, (usually orthoclase). The reason the crystals are visible to the naked eye is that it cools within the earths crust, it cools slowly therefore allowing large crystals to form ,The surrounding rock acting like a blanket. unlike lava which is extruded onto the earth surface, or under the sea where it is chilled quickly.
2006-08-23 06:57:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Granite is a common and widely-occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock.
2006-08-23 07:01:11 · answer #3 · answered by wcivils 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is indeed an felsic igneous rock. It is also broken down into s type (derived from sedimentary (long buried and recrystallized)) and I-type granite (or igneous protolith).
2006-08-23 07:40:22 · answer #4 · answered by JimZ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
QFL is correct. It is an igneous intrusive. It took a long time to cool, that is why it has a large crystalline structure.
Basalt and diabase cooled more quickly and did not have time to form large crystals.
2006-08-23 11:38:36 · answer #5 · answered by Tom-PG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the event you count answers to decide who is right, since the first two are flat out wrong, the answer given by QFL and others is correct--igneous.
2006-08-23 09:27:39 · answer #6 · answered by Pepper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope this is a homework question...because you might actually learn something by having to sort out the garbage from some of the correct information you have been given.
2006-08-23 10:40:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
igneous. From much deeper than volcanoes and is as intrusions.
You will never see granite as volcano ejecta. Basalt is from volcanoes.
2006-08-23 06:53:59 · answer #8 · answered by Kirk M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sedimentary
2006-08-23 06:45:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A metamorphic rock
2006-08-23 06:45:55 · answer #10 · answered by Japan_is_home 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋