A phaneritic (visibly crystalline) plutonic rock composed chiefly of sodic plagioclase (oligoclase or andesine), alkali feldspar (microcline or orthoclase, usually perthitic), quartz, and subordinate dark-colored (mafic) minerals (biotite, amphibole, or pyroxene). Granodiorite is intermediate between granite and quartz diorite (tonalite). Alkali feldspar is dominant over plagioclase in granite but is subordinate to plagioclase in granodiorite. Quartz diorite carries little or no alkali feldspar. For convenience granite and granodiorite are commonly grouped and referred to as granite.