Gruss

/ɡrʊs/ noun

Definition

A weathered or decomposed granite rock; the products of granite weathering including feldspar, mica, and quartz that create sandy or clayey soil.

Etymology

From German "Grus" meaning granite gravel or weathered granite, borrowed into geological English through German scientific terminology, ultimately from Latin "gruis".

Kelly Says

Gruss is a geological term that shows how granite doesn't just disappear—it slowly decomposes into its component minerals, creating the sandy soils that are perfect for wine-growing regions like Bordeaux.

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