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. Print a copy of the patterns page. Read and follow the directions below to color the shapes.

Granite is made of:

60% feldspar (color six pieces pink)
20% quartz (three pieces will be white)
10% biotite mica (color one piece black)
10% hornblend (color one piece green)

Cut out the shapes. Use all 10 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.

Take a field trip around your hometown. See how many uses of granite that you can find. Name all of the buildings that are constructed of granite. Email us your list.

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