igneous
Granite
Phaneritic plutonic rock (SiO2-rich)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper appearance with pink, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible crystals); Cleavage: None (minerals within have individual cleavage).
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt-and-pepper appearance with pink, white, and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper appearance with pink, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible crystals); Cleavage: None (minerals within have individual cleavage).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica or amphibole minerals. Typically found in continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Widely used for construction, countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most common rocks on Earth's surface. It makes up much of the continental crust. The name comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, referring to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its speckled appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/grey) and feldspar (white/pink). Found globally in mountainous regions or glacial deposits.
