igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-white with black specks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Individual minerals (feldspar) show cleavage, but rock breaks irregularly.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Greyish-white with black specks
- Luster
- 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; Color: Greyish-white with black specks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Individual minerals (feldspar) show cleavage, but rock breaks irregularly.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and small amounts of mica or amphibole. Can date from various geological periods, often associated with continental crust formation.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Also used as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. It is so hard that it was used to build the cores of the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of similar size. Commonly found in mountainous regions or where ancient tectonic plates combined. Collectors look for unique mineral inclusions or large crystals.
