Which rock type is commonly found in continental crust and is light in color, consisting mainly of quartz and feldspar?

• A. Basalt
• B. Andesite
• C. Granite
• D. Gabbro

Answer: (C)

Granite is a light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock that forms from silica-rich magma and is dominated by quartz and feldspar. This composition—high in silica and aluminum with quartz and feldspar as major minerals—gives it a pale appearance and low to moderate density, typical of rocks in continental crust. The coarse texture comes from slow cooling underground, which allows large crystals to grow to a visible size. In contrast, rocks like basalt and gabbro are richer in dark, mafic minerals (like pyroxene and olivine) and appear darker, while andesite is intermediate in composition. So granite best fits the description of a rock commonly found in continental crust that is light in color and rich in quartz and feldspar.