What is the difference between Basalt and Granite?

Basalt is an igneous volcanic rock produced by the hot spots of flowing lava from volcanic activity, and it is one of the most common types of rock on Earth. Basalt contains minerals composed of a fair amount of iron and magnesium—basalt forms at the surface where it will solidify from the lava. The places where basalt is commonly found include mid-oceanic ridges, hot spots, and rift basins.

It is also developed at the continental rifts. Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock with a felsic structure. Granite makes up the cores of the continents, and many mountains range around the world. Many of the rock formations come from granite. Granite is also one of the most identifiable rocks for most individuals. Granite is categorized as a felsic rock, which contains a considerable amount of feldspar and quartz.

Basalt is an igneous volcanic rock that is generated by lava flows in many different volcano types. It contains minerals that have a substantial amount of iron and magnesium. Basalt is plentiful around mid-oceanic ridges, hotspots, and rift basins. Because it shapes at the surface, basalt will cool relatively quickly within a few days to a few months; as a result, the minerals in basalt are finely grained and are tough to see with the naked eye.

Granite, on the other hand, is an indiscreet igneous rock with a felsic composition. It is considered a plutonic rock because it is made from below the surface. Granite tends to develop at continental subduction zones where oceanic crust is subducting underneath the surface.

Granite makes up the foundations of continents, and much of the sections of major mountain ranges around the world. Granite contains significant amounts of feldspar and quartz.

Basalt and granite are often compared to each other, probably because they both come from igneous rocks. What makes them different is the rate by which they are able to cool down. Another difference between these two rocks is the amount of silica that is available in these rocks.

If you would check the amount of silica that can be found in Basalt, it will be 53%, while granite will be about 73%. You may also see some differences in the way that they work. You will see that granite will be a bit pebbled, but basalt will be soft.

When it comes to hardness, they are almost the same. Granite will just be a little bit harder than basalt.

Basalt and Granite are two types of indigenous rocks. One way to tell them apart is by their color. Basalt comes in a darker color than granite. Another difference between them is in regards to the surface location. Basalt is in an extrusive location, while granite is in an intrusive location. These two indigenous rocks also differ in how they are composed. Basalt rocks have a mafic composition, while granite rock has a felsic composition. When it comes to the length of time of forming the rocks, basalt rocks only take a few months, while granite takes millions of years.