Gabbro vs. Granite — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Gabbro and granite are both intrusive igneous rocks; gabbro is dark and dense with a composition rich in mafic minerals, while granite is lighter in color and density, composed mainly of felsic minerals.
Difference Between Gabbro and Granite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gabbro is formed from the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in a coarse-grained texture primarily composed of mafic minerals like pyroxene and olivine, whereas granite also forms underground from slowly cooling magma but is composed of felsic minerals such as quartz and feldspar, giving it a lighter color.
The density and color of gabbro are noticeably darker and denser due to its mineral composition, while granite typically appears lighter with a granular texture, making it popular in construction and decorative arts.
In terms of uses, gabbro is often utilized in the construction industry for things like pavement and building stone due to its hardness and durability, on the other hand, granite is extensively used in architectural facades and monuments because of its aesthetic appeal and resistance to weathering.
Gabbro is richer in iron and magnesium, which accounts for its darker color and higher density, whereas granite, being rich in silica, tends to be lighter in both color and weight.
While both rocks are used in similar applications, their geological significance varies; gabbro often forms large plutonic masses that can tell geologists about the composition of the Earth's mantle, while granite is often studied for its clues about continental crust evolution.
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Comparison Chart
Mineral Composition
Mafic minerals (pyroxene, olivine)
Felsic minerals (quartz, feldspar)
Color
Dark (black, dark green)
Light (white, pink, light gray)
Density
Higher
Lower
Texture
Coarse-grained
Coarse-grained
Uses
Building stone, road aggregate
Architectural stone, monuments
Compare with Definitions
Gabbro
Used primarily in heavy construction due to its durability.
Gabbro was chosen for the city's new traffic-heavy roads.
Granite
A light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock predominantly made of quartz and feldspar.
The new kitchen installations predominantly featured granite countertops.
Gabbro
A dense, dark-colored igneous rock composed mainly of mafic minerals.
The quarry specializes in cutting large slabs of gabbro for countertops.
Granite
Preferred for decorative features in architectural projects.
The facade of the building was adorned with intricately carved granite.
Gabbro
Characteristically darker and heavier than granite.
The dark, weighty blocks used in the fortress were made of gabbro.
Granite
Valued in cladding and tiling for both interior and exterior design.
They used imported granite tiles for the hotel's entrance.
Gabbro
Forms extensive plutonic masses ideal for studying Earth's mantle.
Geologists examined the gabbro mass for insights into mantle composition.
Granite
Commonly used in construction and monuments for its beauty and resistance to weathering.
The monument was carved from a single block of granite.
Gabbro
Popular in commercial applications for its polished aesthetic.
The lobby's floor featured polished gabbro with a reflective sheen.
Granite
Contains minerals that can be seen with the naked eye, giving it a unique texture.
The granite boulder at the park displayed large, visible quartz crystals.
Gabbro
Gabbro () is a phaneritic (coarse-grained), mafic intrusive igneous rock formed from the slow cooling of magnesium-rich and iron-rich magma into a holocrystalline mass deep beneath the Earth's surface. Slow-cooling, coarse-grained gabbro is chemically equivalent to rapid-cooling, fine-grained basalt.
Granite
Granite () is a coarse-grained igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. It forms from magma with a high content of silica and alkali metal oxides that slowly cools and solidifies underground.
Gabbro
A usually coarse-grained igneous rock composed chiefly of pyroxene and calcic plagioclase feldspar. Also called norite.
Granite
A common, coarse-grained, light-colored, hard igneous rock consisting chiefly of quartz, orthoclase or microcline, and mica, used in monuments and for building.
Gabbro
(rock) Originally, a kind of serpentine; now generally a coarsely crystalline, igneous rock consisting of lamellar pyroxene and labradorite.
Granite
Unyielding endurance; steadfastness
A will of granite.
Gabbro
A name originally given by the Italians to a kind of serpentine, later to the rock called euphotide, and now generally used for a coarsely crystalline, igneous rock consisting of lamellar pyroxene (diallage) and labradorite, with sometimes chrysolite (olivine gabbro).
Granite
(rock) A group of igneous and plutonic rocks composed primarily of feldspar and quartz. Usually contains one or more dark minerals, which may be mica, pyroxene, or amphibole. Granite is quarried for building stone, road gravel, decorative stone, and tombstones. Common colors are gray, white, pink, and yellow-brown.
Gabbro
One of a family of granular intrusive rocks
Granite
Toughness; the quality of having a thick skin or being rough.
Granite
A crystalline, granular rock, consisting of quartz, feldspar, and mica, and usually of a whitish, grayish, or flesh-red color. It differs from gneiss in not having the mica in planes, and therefore in being destitute of a schistose structure.
Granite
Plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz
Granite
Something having the quality of granite (unyielding firmness);
A man of granite
Common Curiosities
What are the main differences between gabbro and granite?
The main differences are their mineral composition—gabbro is mafic and darker, granite is felsic and lighter—and their typical uses in construction and decoration.
Can the color of granite vary?
Yes, granite can vary widely in color, depending on its mineral composition, from pinks to grays and even blues.
Where is gabbro typically found?
Gabbro forms large plutonic bodies beneath the Earth's surface, commonly associated with oceanic crust and large igneous provinces.
Is gabbro suitable for kitchen countertops?
Yes, gabbro can be used for countertops as it is durable and less likely to stain than granite due to its lower silica content.
What type of rock is more durable, gabbro or granite?
Both are very durable, but gabbro's higher density and darker minerals generally make it slightly more resistant to wear and tear.
How are these rocks formed?
Both rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface, but differ in the speed and environment of cooling.
Why is granite preferred for monuments?
Granite’s aesthetic qualities, combined with its durability and resistance to weathering, make it ideal for monuments and outdoor sculptures.
Which rock is heavier, gabbro or granite?
Gabbro tends to be heavier due to its denser mafic minerals.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with quarrying these rocks?
Yes, quarrying can lead to habitat destruction, dust generation, and other environmental impacts, necessitating responsible management practices.
What geological information can be inferred from studying granite?
Studying granite can provide insights into the processes and history of continental crust formation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
