* Continental crust is typically 30-70 kilometers (19-43 miles) thick. It is composed primarily of granite, a less dense rock.
* Oceanic crust is much thinner, averaging around 7 kilometers (4 miles) thick. It is composed primarily of basalt, a denser rock.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Continental Crust | Oceanic Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 30-70 km | 7 km |
| Density | Less dense | More dense |
| Composition | Granite | Basalt |
| Age | Older | Younger |
The thicker nature of continental crust is why continents rise above sea level. The less dense granite floats higher on the mantle than the denser basalt of the oceanic crust.