Granite is nearly always massive (lacking internal structures), hard and tough, and therefore it has gained widespread use as a construction stone. The average density of granite is 2.75 g/cm3. The word granite comes from the Latin granum, a grain, in reference to the coarse-grained structure of such a crystalline rock.

Granite is currently known only on Earth where it forms a major part of continental crust. Granite often occurs as relatively small, less than 100 km² stock masses (stocks) and in batholiths that are often associated with orogenic mountain ranges.The final mineralogy, texture and chemical composition of a granite is often distinctive as to its origin.

Ancient Egypt used granite in the great pyramids and in their throughout their architecture including columns, door lintels, sills, jambs, and wall and floor veneer. Today polished granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its high durability and aesthetic qualities.