Which type of rock is characterized as a light-colored, coarse-grained intrusive rock?

Granite is distinctly identified as a light-colored, coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock. Its formation occurs through the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface, allowing large mineral grains to develop. The primary minerals found in granite include quartz, feldspar (which gives granite its light color), and mica, contributing to its characteristic appearance.

The coarse-grained texture results from the slow cooling process, allowing crystals to grow larger than those found in extrusive rocks. Granite is commonly used in construction and decorative applications due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The large grain size and light coloration are essential characteristics that help differentiate granite from other types of igneous rocks.

Other rocks in the choices have different properties: Diorite, while also coarse-grained and intrusive, contains a mix of light and dark minerals and is often characterized by a more speckled appearance. Peridotite is typically dark and much denser, primarily composed of olivine. Andesite, an extrusive rock, is generally finer-grained and has a darker coloration compared to granite, as it forms from more rapid cooling of lava. These distinctions further confirm granite as the correct answer for the description provided.