igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic Quartz-Feldspar Granite
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, orange-red, white, and grey; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar, none in quartz; Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, orange-red, white, and grey
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More igneous →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, orange-red, white, and grey; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar, none in quartz; Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive). The pink color comes from potassium-rich orthoclase feldspar. Geological age varies, but often Precambrian to Paleozoic in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction, countertops, monuments, floor tiles, and as decorative gravel for landscaping. High-quality specimens are prized for architectural dimension stone.
Geological facts
The pink hue is determined by the specific concentration of potassium feldspar (K-spar). Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith. It is one of the hardest and most durable common stones on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' texture with visible salmon-pink or orange crystals. Found in continental mountain ranges and shields. Collectors look for large, well-defined pegmatitic crystals.
