Word granite comes from the Latin granum, a grain, is an igneous rock and is formed from magma. Granite is massive, hard and tough, and therefore it has gained widespread use as a construction stone. Granite has been extensively used as a dimension stone and as flooring tiles in public and commercial buildings and monuments. Polished granite is also a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its high durability and aesthetic qualities. It comes in many natural colors depending on their chemistry and mineralogy.