igneous
Granite
Phaneritic plutonic rock (mainly Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (pink, white, gray, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect on feldspars; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt and pepper (pink, white, gray, black)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (pink, white, gray, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect on feldspars; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock that can date back billions of years, found in continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith in South Dakota.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its speckled 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals. Common in mountainous regions or glacial deposits. Look for crystals of quartz and feldspar that cannot be scratched by a steel knife.
