igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Igneous Rock (Granite)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Salt and pepper (mottled gray, white, pink, and black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Distinct in feldspar components; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Salt and pepper (mottled gray, white, pink, and black)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Salt and pepper (mottled gray, white, pink, and black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Distinct in feldspar components; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is an intrusive igneous rock typical of continental crust, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its coarse grain size and interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/gray), feldspar (white/pink), and mica (black/shiny). Commonly found in mountain ranges and glacial deposits.
