Granite is a common word used to describe a type of igneous rock. The spelling of this word is straightforward, with six letters and no silent letters. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is written as /ˈɡræn.ɪt/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" sound in the first syllable is pronounced as in "cat", while the second syllable features a schwa sound (ə). The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as in "bit", and the final consonant "t" is pronounced with a strong aspiration.
Granite is a common type of igneous rock that possesses a coarse-grained texture. It is primarily composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica, which give it a distinctive appearance. Granite is widely recognized for its durability, hardness, and resistance to wear, making it a popular choice in both construction and decorative applications.
In terms of color, granite can vary significantly, with shades ranging from light gray to deep black, and with occasional speckles or veins of colors such as white, pink, or red. This diversity of color and pattern adds to its aesthetic appeal, making it sought after for use in countertops, flooring, and other decorative elements.
Granite forms deep within the Earth's crust as magma cools and solidifies slowly over millions of years. Through the process of crystallization, the minerals in the magma fuse together to create the characteristic interlocking grain structure found in granite. This process also contributes to the rock's exceptional hardness and durability.
Due to its resistance to heat, scratches, and staining, granite is a favored material in kitchens and bathrooms, especially for countertops. It is also used extensively in construction for building facades, monuments, and flooring, as well as in outdoor landscaping projects. With its combination of beauty and strength, granite has become a highly sought-after natural stone in various industries and remains a symbol of durability and luxury.
A well-known rock, having a granular-crystalline composition and appearance, and composed of quartz, felspar, and mica, arranged in distinct grains or crystals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "granite" comes from the Latin term "granum", meaning "grain". It was originally used to describe any coarse-grained crystalline rock. This Latin term was later borrowed into the Italian language as "granito", which also referred to a coarse-grained stone. Ultimately, the Middle French word "granit" and the English word "granite" were derived from these Latin and Italian roots.