Granite
Granite mainly consists of the minerals quartz, feldspar and mica.
It is best known in Devon as the rock that forms tors and hill tops on Dartmoor. It was once molten rock that rose from inside the earth. Once it had reached near- surface levels it cooled down very slowly and turned into a vast body of solid rock. This body extends all under Dartmoor and further West into Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Over millions of years erosion and weathering transformed the Dartmoor granite. Rain, humidity, freeze and sun weakened the usually resistant rock. Cracks and holes, huge blocks and boulders broke off. The process continues today and shapes bizarre landmarks such as Hay Tor or Bowerman’s Nose.
People build pavements, houses and bridges out of granite because it splits easily along fractures into regular blocks. Prehistoric standing stones and stone circles on Dartmoor are made of the gritty rock as well.
It is best known in Devon as the rock that forms tors and hill tops on Dartmoor. It was once molten rock that rose from inside the earth. Once it had reached near- surface levels it cooled down very slowly and turned into a vast body of solid rock. This body extends all under Dartmoor and further West into Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Over millions of years erosion and weathering transformed the Dartmoor granite. Rain, humidity, freeze and sun weakened the usually resistant rock. Cracks and holes, huge blocks and boulders broke off. The process continues today and shapes bizarre landmarks such as Hay Tor or Bowerman’s Nose.
People build pavements, houses and bridges out of granite because it splits easily along fractures into regular blocks. Prehistoric standing stones and stone circles on Dartmoor are made of the gritty rock as well.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 55/1916/2
- Category
- Array
- Collection Class
- Rocks
- Collection Area Region
- Northern Europe
- Common Name
- granite
- Simple Name
- rock: granite
