Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Melting: The cycle begins with the melting of existing rocks (either sedimentary, metamorphic, or even older igneous rocks) due to heat and pressure from the Earth's interior.
2. Magma Chamber: The molten rock, now called magma, collects in a chamber within the Earth's crust or upper mantle.
3. Crystallization: As the magma cools and solidifies, different minerals crystallize in a specific order. This process results in the formation of granite, which is typically composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
4. Uplift and Exposure: Over time, tectonic forces can uplift the granite, bringing it closer to the Earth's surface. Weathering and erosion then expose the granite, revealing the rock we see today.
So, while granite's journey begins underground, it's the interplay of geological processes that bring it to the surface and complete the cycle.