igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic Plutonic Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, red, gray, and white with black speckles; Luster: Dull to pearly (vitreous on fresh surfaces); Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Quartz, Alkali Feldspar, and Plagioclase.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, red, gray, and white with black speckles
- Luster
- Dull to pearly (vitreous on fresh surfaces)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, red, gray, and white with black speckles; Luster: Dull to pearly (vitreous on fresh surfaces); Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Quartz, Alkali Feldspar, and Plagioclase.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a coarse-grained intrusive rock common in the continental crust, often dating from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the continental crust. The name comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its visible multi-colored crystalline grains and lack of foliated layers. Found globally in mountainous regions and shield areas like the Canadian Shield.
