Composition
* Granite is composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
* Gabbro is composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar and ferromagnesian minerals (such as pyroxene and amphibole).
Color
* Granite is typically light-colored, ranging from pink to gray to white.
* Gabbro is typically dark-colored, ranging from black to dark green.
Texture
* Granite has a medium- to coarse-grained texture. This means that the individual crystals in the rock are visible to the naked eye.
* Gabbro has a fine- to medium-grained texture. This means that the individual crystals in the rock are not visible to the naked eye.
Uses
* Granite is often used as a building material, for flooring, countertops, and tiles.
* Gabbro is often used as a building material, for road construction, and for riprap (a type of erosion control material).
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between granite and gabbro:
| Feature | Granite | Gabbro |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Quartz, feldspar, mica | Plagioclase feldspar, ferromagnesian minerals |
| Color | Light-colored (pink, gray, white) | Dark-colored (black, dark green) |
| Texture | Medium- to coarse-grained | Fine- to medium-grained |
| Uses | Building material, flooring, countertops, tiles | Building material, road construction, riprap |