FAQ Friday: How is Granite Formed?

Granite is formed when magma (molten rock) is forced between other rocks in the Earth's crust. It cools and crystallizes deep underground. As it cools slowly large crystals are formed. Granites often form large intrusions in the core of mountain ranges, and they are usually surrounded by zones of metamorphic rock (rock that has been altered by heat or pressure). Granite areas have characteristic moorland scenery. In exposed areas the bedrock may be weathered along joints and cracks to produce a tor, consisting of rounded blocks that appear to have been stacked upon one another.

Below are a few quarry pictures. I am so fascinated by quarries.
Also, go to our website here if you'd like to see more quarry photos.

Photo: Roman Victor      Rock of Ages # 1,
Active Section, E.L. Smith Quarry, Barre, Vermont, 1991

 

 

Photo: The Brooklyn Rail

Photo: Central Coast Tourist.

Do you read Paul Anatar's blog Kitchen and Residential Design? It's a great blog to follow daily. Anyway, I really enjoyed his post called Here's a Working Definition on Granite, check it out. Also, read the comments on this post. I posted a funny story of a customer telling me how Verde Marinace granite was formed.