igneous
Granite
Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock (Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (large visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, gray, white, and black mottled
- 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 Mohs; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (large visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a major component of the continental crust and can be billions of years old, often found in mountain ranges or batholiths.
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 is one of the hardest and most common rocks on the planet. The Pink Granite of Egypt was used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza's King's Chamber.
Field identification & locations
Field identification involves looking for a salt-and-pepper appearance with interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/gray) and feldspar (pink/white). It is found worldwide in continental regions.
More like this
Other igneous specimens
Granite
Granite
Igneous
Granite
Granite
Igneous
Blue Apatite
Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)
mineral
Dalmatian Jasper
Aplite with Arfvedsonite inclusions
igneous
Magnetite
Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)
mineral
Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)
Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.
Igneous