What type of rock is primarily associated with continental crust?

Granite is primarily associated with continental crust because it is an igneous rock that forms from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. This process allows large crystals to develop, which is characteristic of granite. The composition of granite typically includes quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving it a lighter color and a lower density compared to rocks commonly found in oceanic crust, such as basalt.

Continental crust is generally thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, making granite a predominant rock type in continental regions. Its formation process is associated with tectonic activity and the buildup of continental landmasses over geological time. In contrast, basalt, which is a volcanic rock, is primarily found in oceanic crust and formed from the rapid cooling of lava at the sea floor. Slate, a metamorphic rock, is formed from the alteration of shale and is not a primary rock type of continental crust. Marble, a metamorphic rock originating from limestone, can be found in some mountain ranges but is not as widely representative of the continental crust as granite is.