Identification

Geological Classification

Properties

Uses

Granite

This stone is a common

variety of Igneous rocks.
It
is
formed
by
solidification of magma
below the earths surface
at the place of its origin. It
is physically unstratified
and chemically siliceous
in nature. It is chiefly
composed of quartz and
felspars
mixed
with
particles of mica

It is hard, very strong

and durable its crushing
strength is 1000 to 1400
kg/sq.cm.
It is grey, green, pink,
redand some times black
in colour according to
the colour of felspar.
It has got high specific
gravity (2-63 to 2.65).
Its weight is nearly
2640kg/cu m.
It is less porous
(porosity is less then
1%)
It is fine grained and can
take a good polish.
It has got a crystalline,
uniform and dense
texture which makes it
more suitable for
ornamental works.
Its workability is less
and it is costly to dress.
It is not fire proof as it
cracks badly under a
strong fire.

It is chiefly used as
large building
blocks for heavy
engineering works,
such as piers and
abutments of
bridges, light
houses, harbors etc.
It fine grained
quality is used for
decorative
monumental facing
works where high
polish is desired.
It is used for
constructing steps,
sills and columns.
It is also
advantageously
used as aggregate in
concrete, as ballast
in railway tracks
and as road metal.