igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained coarse crystals); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar grains; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, white, and black mottled
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained coarse crystals); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar grains; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. The pink color is primarily due to an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). These can date back billions of years to the Precambrian era.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Also popular as a crushed stone for road base and railroad ballast.
Geological facts
Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous granite monoliths.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking crystalline texture and lack of foliation. To distinguish from similar rocks, look for the visible grains of pink feldspar and clear/white quartz. Found globally in mountainous regions and shield areas.
