Granite

Hello. I have a secret. I was born deep, deep inside the Earth where it was very hot. It took me a super long time to cool down and become strong. I am speckled with shiny bits that glitter in the sun. Sometimes I am pink, sometimes I am gray, and sometimes I have black and white spots. I am so strong that I make mountains, and I am so tough that I can hold up the biggest buildings. Can you guess who I am.

I am Granite. For thousands of years, people have used me to build amazing things. Way back in ancient Egypt, more than 4,000 years ago, people discovered how strong I was. Around the year 2600 BCE, they carefully cut me into huge blocks to build their giant, pointy pyramids. They also carved big statues of their kings and queens out of me. Because I am so tough, those amazing buildings are still standing today for you to see. They knew I could keep their special places safe for a long, long, long time.

Today, you do not have to go to a mountain or a pyramid to find me. You might see me in your very own home. I can be the smooth, cool countertop in your kitchen where you help make yummy snacks. You might see me as shiny tiles on the floor or as the strong steps outside a big building. From ancient pyramids to your cozy kitchen, I am always happy to be a strong, beautiful part of your world. I am a piece of the Earth that helps you build, create, and play every single day.