Among the whole set of rocks of the Earth, the main group is igneous, which formed over millions of years in the crust of volcanic lava. One of the main
building materials - granite. The properties of this stone have long been studied by people. This led to the fact that it was widely used in construction in the past, and it is used now. A huge number of monuments and structures of antiquity have survived to our times due to the fact that they were made of granite. Its unique composition, beautiful granular structure and useful properties make this stone a very popular building material.
Granite deposits
This rock is formed as a result of solidification of magma at great depths. It is influenced by high temperature, pressure, gases rising from the thickness of the earth's crust and evaporation. Under the influence of these factors, we get such a unique structure, a play of light and shadow, which we observe at this stone. Most often it is gray, but sometimes red or green granite is mined. Its properties depend on the size of its constituent grains. It is coarse grained , medium-grained and fine-grained (the most
lasting).
This rock usually lies at great depths, but sometimes comes to the surface. Granite deposits are found on all continents and in almost all countries, but most of them in Siberia, Karelia, Finland, India and Brazil. Its extraction is quite expensive, since it lies in the form of huge layers, often stretching for several kilometers.
Composition of this stone
Granite refers to polymineral rocks formed by several substances. Most of all in its composition is feldspar, which determines its color. Almost a quarter is occupied by quartz, which is an inclusion of translucent bluish grains. Granite also contains other minerals (e.g.
up to 10% it can contain tourmaline, up to 20% mica), as well as inclusions of iron, manganese, monazite or ilmenite.
The main properties of granite
The advantages of this stone allow us now to admire the architectural structures made of it in antiquity. What properties of granite determine its widespread use?
1. Durability. Fine-grained grades of granite show the first signs of abrasion only after 500 years. Therefore, sometimes it is called the eternal stone.
2. Strength. Granite is considered the strongest substance after diamond. It is resistant to compression and friction. This is due to the properties of quartz, which is part of it. In addition, it becomes clear why this rock is so strong after an answer is found to the question of what is the density of granite. It is actually very high - almost three tons per cubic meter.
3. Resistance to weathering. Granite can withstand temperatures from minus 60 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. This is very important in cold climates. Studies have proven that granite products do not lose their properties after 300 times freezing and thawing.
4. Water resistant. It is thanks to this property that granite is such
frost resistant. Therefore, it is ideal for facing embankments.
5. Ecological cleanliness. Granite is not at all radioactive and therefore safe for any construction work.
6. Fire resistance. This material begins to melt only at 700-800 degrees Celsius. Therefore, facing them with a house is not only beautiful, but also safe.
7. Ease of processing, compatibility with any building materials and a wealth of textures and colors make it indispensable for the design of the premises.
8. Resistance to acids and fungi.
Granite processing
Despite the strength and high density of the rock, this stone is easy to process. It is quite simple to cut and polish. Typically, large granite blocks, slabs, or granite chips and crushed stone are sold. From it make tiles, countertops and paving stones. The richness of the textures of this natural stone makes the use of granite acceptable for decoration of any interior. Raw stone looks very nice , it absorbs light well. Polished to a shine, it shows all its advantages and the beauty of mica inclusions. When processing the rock by shearing, a relief structure is obtained with the decorative effect of the play of chiaroscuro. And some types of gray granite after heat treatment become milky white.
Types of Granites
Based on which minerals are part of granite, it is especially worth paying attention to dark-colored components. These rocks are divided into several groups: alaskite, leucogranite, biotite, pyroxene, alkaline and others. Different breed data are also in structure:
- porphyry granite, which contains elongated inclusions of minerals;
- pegmatoid - differs in uniform granularity of quartz and feldspar ;
- gneiss-shaped - it is a uniform fine-grained stone;
- Finnish granite, which is also called rapakivi, has round intersperses of red;
- written - a very interesting variety, in it particles of feldspar are arranged in the form of wedge-shaped strips similar to ancient letters.
Recently, artificial granite created by firing clay with minerals has also begun to be used. Such a stone is called porcelain stoneware and is almost inferior in its properties to natural.
Types of breed by color
The properties and use of granite also depend on its color. On this basis, several rock groups are distinguished:
- amazonite granite due to its constituent green feldspar has a pleasant bluish-green color;
- pink-red and red Leznikovsky - the most durable;
- gray rocks are very common, and they got their names from the places of extraction: Korninsky, Sofievsky, Zhezhelevsky;
- White granite is rare. This variety includes colors from pale green to pearl gray.
Granite application
This stone has been used for many centuries in construction and facing works. This is due to the fact that its fine-grained varieties begin to decay only after 500 years. It is resistant to various influences and is very durable. These basic properties of granite allow its wide use in construction. Where is the mineral used:
1. Most of the monuments and monuments are made of it.
2. Its strength and resistance to abrasion allow the use of stone for the manufacture of steps, flooring, porches and even bridges.
3. In cold climates, the most popular building material is granite. Its properties allow to clad buildings and even embankments where
there are harsh winters.
4. This stone is able to transform your home both inside and out. Designers successfully use it for the manufacture of columns, stairs, baseboards, countertops and railings. They are also faced with the walls of houses.
5. The use of granite in pools, bathrooms and fountains is due to the fact that it does not pass water at all. And also does not collapse under its influence.
Granite in the interior
In recent years, this stone has become very widely used for interior decoration. It goes well with all materials: wood, metal and ceramics - and is suitable for the design of any home. In addition to wall and floor cladding, in many places in the apartment you can use granite. Its properties make this stone indispensable for the manufacture of window sills and countertops in the kitchen. They are easy to care for, they are durable and do not deteriorate from exposure to moisture and high temperature.
Granite is also widely used in landscape design. A path or gazebo lined with this stone will not be afraid of atmospheric influences and will not crack over time. The flowerbeds designed by him, for example, in the style of the Japanese rock garden or in the form of a terrace, look beautiful. It is very convenient to use granite for the manufacture of borders and stairs.
The properties and application of this stone have long been studied. And it has been used by man since antiquity. With the advent of new processing technologies, granite began to be used even more often, because it became possible to improve its decorative properties.