igneous
Pink Granite
Granite (Phaneritic igneous rock)
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale. Features a phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture with visible crystals of pinkish-red potassium feldspar, translucent quartz, and dark biotite or hornblende. Luster is vitreous to dull.
Identified More igneous →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale. Features a phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture with visible crystals of pinkish-red potassium feldspar, translucent quartz, and dark biotite or hornblende. Luster is vitreous to dull.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Granites can range from billions of years old to relatively young, found commonly in continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and paving. Also used for monuments, sculptures, and as aggregate in infrastructure projects.
Geological facts
The pink color is specifically caused by an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust and is one of the hardest natural stones used by humans.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture and the presence of quartz (which cannot be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in batholiths and eroded mountain shields.
