Granite

( gran it, Fr. ) a sort of hard stone which is variegated by spots and streaks, and is rather encrusted. It is very common in Egypt. There is a species of granite, that is of a white and violet color; and another which is green mixed with white. The most ordinary kind has grey and green spots scattered over a greyish white. Columns 40 feet high have been seen in Egypt which consisted wholly of one piece of granite. The Egyptian Pyramids are made of that marble; such indeed is the quantity said to exist about the country, that some authors imagine the whole extent of its foundation to be a solid rock of granite. The French distinguish this sort of stone by calling it marbre gran it and marbre granitelle . In natural history it is generally called granita , being a distinct genus of stones composed of separate and very large concretions rudely compacted together, of great hardne and capable of receiving a very fine and beautiful polish.