Granite
Granite is one of the strongest and hardest stones in the world. The cost of extracting and producing this stone is much higher than limestone. The longevity and durability of this stone has made it widely used in urban architecture. Granite is the best igneous rock.
According to Sangestan Mahallat, granite is a coarse-grained, light-colored igneous rock that is mainly composed of feldspars and quartz with small amounts of mica and amphibole minerals.
Granite stones are mainly formed from the cooling of acidic melt masses. Granite is a symbol of hardness and resistance. Granites are harder but more uniform than limestones. Granite stones do not scratch easily and their resistance to heat is high.
Granite is best used in outdoor pavements and high-traffic areas. Using granite stones in large quantities in closed spaces is harmful to human health.
Granite emits radioactive substances when exposed to X-rays and gamma radiation, chemicals or strong magnetic field, that is why it is forbidden to use this stone in laboratory environments and hospitals.
This stone is extremely hard and durable and can withstand a lot of weight. Floor tiles made of granite are not destroyed by heavy traffic, and granite countertops are very resistant to knife scratches, abrasive materials, and acid erosion.
Oxidation or rusting of the iron element in granite, high weight due to high density, creation of dead load in the building and lack of adhesion to mortar are some of the disadvantages of granite stone.
Ancient Egyptians built "pyramids" from granite and limestone. The Red Pyramid of Egypt (26th century BC), and the Menkaure pyramid are made of limestone and granite blocks. The Great Pyramid of Giza (around 2580 BC) has a large granite sarcophagus. From the Black Pyramid, which is almost destroyed today, a granite arch is left, which is now in the main hall of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Rajaraja Chola, the Chola king of South India, built the world's first temple entirely in granite in the 11th century in the Indian city of Thanjavur. In the Roman Empire, granite was an integral part of building materials and ancient architecture.
In some parts of the world, this stone is used for tombstones and monuments. The first granite tombstone was used in an English cemetery. The city of Aberdeen in Scotland is mainly made of granite and is known as "Granite City".