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File:Granodiorite fine-grained.jpg

A sample of granodiorite from Massif Central, France

File:Granodiorite pmg ss 2006.jpg

Photomicrograph of thin section of granodiorite from Slovakia (in crossed polarised light)

Granodiorite
800px-Granodiorite fine-grained
Rock type Igneous rock
Essential mineral(s) plagioclase, alkali feldspar, quartz, biotite, hornblende
Accessory mineral(s) Magnetite, ilmenite, ulvospinel, sulfide mineral
Similar rock(s) Tonalite, between granite and diorite

Granodiorite (/ˌɡræ/ or /ˌɡr/) is an intrusive igneous rock similar to granite, but containing more plagioclase than orthoclase-type feldspar. Officially, it is defined as a phaneritic igneous rock with greater than 20% quartz by volume where at least 65% of the feldspar is plagioclase. It usually contains abundant biotite mica and hornblende, giving it a darker appearance than true granite. Mica may be present in well-formed hexagonal crystals, and hornblende may appear as needle-like crystals.

Geology[]

On average the upper continental crust has the same composition as granodiorite.

Granodiorite is a plutonic igneous rock, formed by an intrusion of silica-rich magma, which cools in batholiths or stocks below the Earth's surface. It is usually only exposed at the surface after uplift and erosion have occurred. The volcanic equivalent of granodiorite is dacite.

History

The Rosetta Stone was carved out of granodiorite, and Plymouth Rock was a glacial erratic boulder of granodiorite.

Etymology[]

The name comes from two related rocks: granite and diorite. The grano- root comes from the Latin for 'grain', an English language cognate.

Uses[]

Granodiorite is most often used as crushed stone for road building. However, it is also used as ornamental stone.[1]

See also[]

References[]

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External links[]

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