Granite: A Journey Through Its History

Granite is one of the best materials used for the decoration of homes, offices and buildings across the world. It is durable and long lasting in nature. Apart from that, it can give a stylish and beautiful look to your house.

The use of granite dates back to ancient times. Many people across the world prefer to use granite over other materials because of its durability and attractive appearance. It is a type of igneous, felsic and intrusive rock. Its texture is medium and coarse. Some crystals form in it and it takes the shape of a rock called as porphyry. Granite can come in different colors, such as black, dark gray or pink, depending on their mineralogy and chemistry. Rounded massifs and tors can be formed from the granite outcrops. These stones are generally found in an area surrounded by mountains or hills. It is formed by the hornfels or metamorphic aureole.

The demand of granite is increasing with time. Its hard texture and durable nature has made it more popular among other materials. This igneous rock takes its shape from magma. Other rocks are intruded during this process. There are many potential origins of granite magma. Intrusions are generally emplaced in the crust, usually 50 km deep within and 1.5 km. Origin of this rock is controversial and despite of many researches, the true origin of granite is not known.

Researchers classify it under various schemes. These schemes are generally regional. French follow a certain scheme of classification of granite origin, whereas British follow another set of schemes. On the other hand, in America, another scheme is followed for the classification of the granite origin. Sometimes, confusion arises with the different schemes of classifications. Alphabet soup is the most common classification method used for this purpose. Its classification method is based on origin or genesis of magma.

Granite is tough and hard and therefore it is considered as one of the best materials for construction. There are many evidences of granite use in the past. Many famous monuments and building were constructed from this stone. One of the best examples is the beautiful and awe-inspiring Red Pyramid in Egypt. Its granite surfaces are beautiful. It is ranked as the 3rd largest pyramids. Granite and limestone were used for the construction of Menkaure's Pyramid. Granite was also used in the creation of pyramid of Giza. Red granite was used for constructing this beautiful pyramid. The mostly ruined Black Pyramid, had a polished capstone or granite pyramidion. People can take a look of this structure at the main hall of Cairo Museum.
Many famous temples, where Hindus gods and goddesses are worshipped, were also constructed with granite. Huge amount of granite was used in the creation of many monuments and temples in Southern India.

Now, with the change in trend and choice, many people are placing this durable and long lasting material in their home for decoration purpose. It is used both in the residential and commercial areas. Many kitchen countertops are created from this hard rock and till this day it remains an eternal favorite among the home owners.