Graniit

Graniit is a coarse-grained, felsic intrusive igneous rock, commonly known in English as granite. It forms from the slow crystallization of granitic magma beneath the Earth's surface, producing interlocking crystals large enough to be seen with the naked eye. The typical mineralogy includes quartz, alkali feldspar (such as orthoclase or microcline), plagioclase feldspar, and minor amounts of mica (muscovite or biotite) and amphibole. Accessory minerals such as zircon, apatite, and fluorite may occur.

Graniit is usually light-colored, ranging from pink and red to gray or white, depending on feldspar composition and the presence of dark minerals. It is a highly durable rock with a Mohs hardness around 6–7 and a density of about 2.6–2.7 g/cm³. Its strength and resistance to weathering make it a favored material for construction and decorative stone, including countertops, paving, cladding, and monuments.

Geologically, graniit occurs as large plutons and batholiths that intrude into surrounding metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is a major component of the continental crust and is associated with mountain-building processes at convergent plate boundaries.

Industrial use involves quarrying and processing for dimension stone and aggregate. Safety considerations include the handling of crystalline silica dust, which can pose health risks when inhaled.

Variations arise from differences in mineral proportions and trace elements, resulting in colors from pink to gray. Weathering can lead to surface exfoliation and the formation of clay minerals in the presence of weathering agents.