Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Varieties of Granite

Granite, a holo-crystalline quartz-bearing plutonic rock, has - 10 to 50% of quartz as its component, the alkali feldspar/total feldspar in the ratio between 65 to 90%, and the modal concentration of other minerals is less than 10%. Cutting of granite follows the processing. The cutting of granite has been made easier by the use of steel abrasives. Use of such tools enhances cutting of granite, saves time and lends smoother edges. The granite is cut into thin slabs by multi-blade gangsaws, and using various types of granite cutting blades available in the market.

Granite is available in three main varieties of granite, which are as follows-

Biotite-granite
Includes quartz, plagioclase, biotite and K-feldspar.









Hornblende-granite

Also called Syenitic granite, contains hornblende as well as mica.








Tourmali
ne-granite
Composed mainly of Tourmaline, this variety of granite exhibits a wide range of colors and is very rarely available as white or colorless variety.







Of these three varieties, Biotite-granite is most prevalent and forms a very suitable building stone for durability and decoration. These rocks, by reason of their massive nature and homogeneous grain, are eminently adapted for monumental and architectural work as well as for massive masonries. Their wide range in appearance and colors – white, pink, red, grey, black, etc. renders the stones highly ornamental and effective for a variety of decorative uses.

No comments:

Post a Comment