Difference Between Granite and Quartz

Main Difference – Granite vs Quartz

Minerals are naturally occurring solid inorganic substances. A mineral has a specific chemical composition that is helpful in identifying the type of mineral. Quartz is a type of mineral. Granite is a type of rock. A rock is also a solid mineral compound. Granite and quartz are of importance in different applications. The main difference between granite and quartz is that granite is made up of several types of minerals whereas quartz is composed of a single type mineral.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Granite
      – Definition, Properties, and Uses
2. What is Quartz
      – Definition, Properties, and Uses
3. What is the Difference Between Granite and Quartz
      – Comparison of Key Differences

 Key Terms: Granite, Mineral, Quartz, Rock, Silicone

What is Granite

Granite is a type of rock that is made out of several types of minerals. It is called an igneous rock having a light color. Granite is known to be formed from the crystallization of magma that occurs as a slow process. The major mineral components of granite include quartz, feldspar, alumina, plagioclase, etc.

Granite is called an igneous rock because it is formed from magma below the earth’s surface. Due to this method of formation, granite has become a very hard and durable substance. According to the composition of minerals in granite, the color may vary. The most common colors for granite are red, pink, gray and faded white.

Figure 1: A Floor Tile Made out of Granite

Granite is used in the production of many household needs. Some examples include floor tiles, paving stone, and monuments. When granite is used as a building material, it is known as dimension stone.  Since granite is very hard and durable, it can resist abrasion, weights, resistance to weathering, etc. These properties of granite make it a useful dimension stone.

What is Quartz

Quartz is a mineral composed of SiO₂ units. It is the most abundant mineral that can be found in the earth’s crust. The structure of silicone includes –SiO₄– units that have one silicon atom bonded to four other oxygen atoms. This structure is called a tetrahedral structure. However, the crystal system of quartz is hexagonal.

Figure 2: Quartz

Quartz is categorized as silicates in chemistry. Some types of quart’ minerals are colorless and transparent whereas other types are colorful and translucent. Quartz may be found in a wide variety of colors. Most common colors are white, gray, purple and yellow. Varieties of quartz can be found according to its microstructure and the color.

Quartz exits almost everywhere. It is the second most abundant mineral on earth. For example, sandstones are quartz. The sand that has almost 100% of quartz is known as silica sand. It is a very useful source in glass-making industry. Examples of glasses that are made from silica sand are container glass, flat plate glass, and fiberglass.

Difference Between Granite and Quartz

Definition

Granite: Granite is a type of rock that is made out of several types of minerals.

Quartz: Quartz is a mineral composed of SiO₂ units.

Nature

Granite: Granite is an igneous rock.

Quartz: Quartz is a mineral.

Composition

Granite: Granite is composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, alumina.

Quartz: Quartz is composed of –SiO₄– units.

Uses

Granite: Granite is used for the production of floor tiles, paving stone, monuments, etc.

Quartz: Quartz is used for the production of glasses such as container glass, flat plate glass, fiberglass, etc.

Conclusion

Granite and quartz are naturally occurring materials that are used for many industrial purposes. Granite is an igneous rock made out of magma present in the deep locations of the earth. Quartz is a mineral made of silicon dioxide units. The main difference between granite and quartz is that granite is made up of several types of minerals whereas quartz is composed of a single type mineral.

References:

1. “Granite.” Geology, Available here. Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
2. “Quartz.” Geology, Available here. Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.
3. “Quartz.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Oct. 2017, Available here. Accessed 2 Oct. 2017.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Fjæregranitt3” By I, Friman (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Quartz, Tibet” By JJ Harrison ([email protected]) – Own work (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia