What is a common example of igneous rock?

Granite is a common example of igneous rock because it forms from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. As the magma cools, it solidifies into a coarse-grained rock that often includes visible crystals of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. This process of formation differentiates igneous rocks from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

In contrast, shale and sandstone are types of sedimentary rock, formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles. Limestone is primarily a sedimentary rock as well, primarily composed of calcite and formed from the remains of marine organisms or through chemical precipitation. These differences in formation processes highlight why granite stands out as a classic representation of igneous rock.