Rock Model Activity
Granite is a hard crystalline rock that is made mainly of four minerals. Granite formed deep under the surface of
the earth. It cooled slowly forming large crystals. The crystals are large enough so that we can see them without using
a magnifying glass.
Granite is an attractive rock and can be polished. That is why it is very often used in monuments. It can also withstand
a great deal of pressure so it is often used in the building of bridges and large buildings.
Using the shapes below, you will build a model of granite. Each shape represents a mineral crystal. Read and follow the
directions below to color the shapes.
Granite is made of:
60%
20%
10%
10%
feldspar (color 12 pieces pink)
quartz (6 pieces will be white)
biotite mica (color 2 piece black)
hornblend (color 2 piece green)
Color the mineral with the colors suggested above, then cut out the shapes. Use all 20 shapes to make a model of the
rock, granite. Glue your model to a piece of construction paper. Compare your model to a real piece of granite.