- Feldspar. Generally opaque white, pink, beige or brown, feldspar is another major component of granite. Crystals of feldspar in the surface of a granite slab tend to have a large, blocky appearance. ...
- Mica. Many varieties of granite also contain a small amount of mica minerals—but a little goes a long way. ...
Where is granite formed?
Granite is most often formed where oceanic plates dive beneath continental plates in tectonic environments called subduction zones. In these zones, the input of water-rich oceanic crust causes partial melting at the base of the crust about 25 to 30 miles below the earth’s surface.
What are some examples of granitic rocks?
In fact, granitic rocks are generally classified by their mineral proportions and given names such as granite, granodiorite, tonalite, and diorite. A clear example of contrasting compositions is visible on the southeast face of El Capitan where the dark-colored hornblende-rich Diorite of North America intruded the older and lighter-colored quartz and feldspar-rich El Capitan and Taft granites.
What type of rock is in the Tuolumne intrusive suite?
The Tuolumne Intrusive Suite contains many famous rock types including the Half Dome Granodiorite and Cathedral Peak Granite. Geologic map of Yosemite Valley showing the extents of different granitic rocks and their respective intrusive suites. A large amalgamation of plutons is called a batholith.
How many plutons are there in Yosemite?
There are roughly 35 individually defined plutons in the Yosemite area. Plutons are usually named after a famous landmark that is dominantly made of that rock (examples include the Half Dome Granodiorite and the El Capitan Granite).
How are plutons formed?
This rock, once it cools, will become the type of granite that is exposed in Yosemite. Plutons are large (often covering over 400 square miles) and are typically formed by many pulses ...
What is the rock in Yosemite National Park?
The park boundary perfectly frames a landscape that is composed almost entirely of granite, and it’s no surprise that this landscape contains some of the most iconic rock formations on earth.
Is granite an igneous rock?
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, which means it crystallized from molten rock, called magma, miles underground. At these depths, magma is insulated by the rocks around it and cools very slowly, growing large interlocking crystals. Granite is often said to have a "salt-and-pepper" appearance: the lighter-colored minerals are quartz, ...
How is granite mined?
Granite is one of the most common types of bedrock stone found on Earth. It is currently mined in a range of large quarries throughout India, the US, China, Brazil, Canada and other countries.
What is the color of granite?
Quartz. The common mineral quartz gives granite its density and hardness, usually with a white to gray color. Quartz is also found in other dense natural stones such as quartzite.
Where can granite be used in the home?
Granite’s density and durability make it a good choice for high-traffic countertops in the kitchen or bathroom. It’s fairly resistant to scratching and chipping due to its composition, and if properly sealed it will not stain. However, as with any natural stone we still recommend you protect your granite surfaces as well as possible. Use trivets under pans to avoid exposing granite to excessive heat, and clean up any spills right away so you can continue to enjoy your beautiful granite countertops for many years.
