granito

Granito is the term used in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and related languages for what geologists typically call granite in English. Granite is an igneous, plutonic rock formed by the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma at depth. It is characterized by a coarse-grained, phaneritic texture in which individual crystals are visible to the naked eye.

Mineralogy and composition: Granite is predominantly composed of quartz and alkali feldspar, with plagioclase feldspar. Micas such as biotite or muscovite and accessory minerals like zircon, tourmaline, or amphibole occur in varying amounts. The rock is felsic to intermediate in composition and commonly has a light color, ranging from pink to gray to white, depending on mineral proportions and impurities.

Formation and distribution: Granite forms at depths within the continental crust. The slow cooling of granitic magma produces large crystals, which are later exposed at the surface by uplift and erosion. Granite bodies are common as batholiths and occur on all continents, contributing to many mountain ranges and widely used as building stone.

Uses and properties: Granite is valued for hardness, durability, and resistance to weathering, making it a popular material for construction, paving, and interior surfaces such as countertops. It can be chemically resistant but may stain if not properly sealed and maintained.

Related terms: In geologic terminology, granitoid is a broader category that includes rocks with similar mineralogy but differing in texture or composition, such as granodiorite or tonalite.