Igneous Rocks Examples Granite

It forms from the slow crystallization of magma below earth s surface.

Igneous rocks examples granite.

Granite definition a coarse grained igneous rock composed chiefly of orthoclase and albite feldspars and of quartz usually with lesser amounts of one or more other minerals as mica hornblende or augite. Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica amphiboles and other minerals this mineral composition usually gives granite a red pink gray or white color with dark mineral. Igneous rocks are those that form via the process of melting and cooling. Because the minerals in the granite crystalized as it cooled granite often has sparkly flakes embedded in it.

Igneous rocks are of two types intrusive plutonic rocks and extrusive volcanic rocks. Igneous rock derived from the latin word ignis meaning fire or magmatic rock is one of the three main rock types the others being sedimentary and metamorphic igneous rock is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava the magma can be derived from partial melts of existing rocks in either a planet s mantle or crust typically the melting is caused by one or more of. Intrusive igneous rocks crystallize below earth s surface and the slow cooling that occurs there allows large crystals to form. Granite coarse or medium grained intrusive igneous rock that is rich in quartz and feldspar.

It consists of calcium plagioclase pyroxene olivine hornblende and hypersthene. Intrusive igneous rocks are formed when the magma cools off slowly under the earth s crust and hardens into rocks. Composed of quartz potassium feldspar and mica. Gabbro and granite are examples of intrusive igneous rocks.

Learn more about the properties and uses of granite in this article. Felsic igneous rocks containing a excessive silica content more than 63 sio2 examples granite and rhyolite intermediate igneous rocks containing among fifty two 63 sio2 example andesite and dacite mafic igneous rocks have low silica forty five fifty two and typically high iron magnesium content material example gabbro and. Granite is one of the most common rocks on earth and is the most common igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten rock material.

It is distinguished from granite because it does not contain quartz. What are igneous rocks. There are two basic types. Examples of igneous rocks.

Examples of intrusive igneous rocks are diabase diorite gabbro granite pegmatite and peridotite. If the intrusive rock cooled underground but near the surface it is called subvolcanic or hypabyssal and often has visible but tiny mineral grains. This dense stone is used in construction for everything from basic building to beautiful polished countertops. Composed of feldspar and quartz.

It is the most common plutonic rock of the earth s crust forming by the cooling of magma silicate melt at depth.