Compared to the rocks found in ocean basins, continental rocks are generally:

Continental rocks are generally less dense compared to those found in ocean basins. This difference in density is primarily due to their composition and the geological processes that formed them. Continental crust is largely composed of lighter, granitic rocks, which include minerals such as quartz and feldspar. In contrast, oceanic crust is mainly composed of heavier, basaltic rocks, which contain denser minerals like pyroxene and olivine.

The lower density of continental rocks allows them to "float" higher on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath the Earth's crust, contributing to the elevation of continents compared to ocean basins. This distinction is essential in understanding tectonics, isostasy, and the overall structure of the Earth’s crust. The composition and formation of these rocks play a critical role in numerous geological phenomena, such as mountain building and sedimentation processes.