igneous
Pink Granite
Granite (Phaneritic igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish-pink with speckles of grey and black; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Cleavage: None (fractures); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, reddish-pink with speckles of grey and black
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish-pink with speckles of grey and black; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Cleavage: None (fractures); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). The pink color is derived from an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). Found in continental crust and mountain belts worldwide.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, monuments, and as crushed decorative gravel.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the oldest known rocks, with some continental crust specimens dating back billions of years. It is incredibly durable and resistant to weathering, which is why it is used for monuments like Mount Rushmore.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its coarse, interlocking mineral grains and speckled pink/white/grey appearance. It will easily scratch glass but cannot be scratched by a steel nail. Common in mountainous regions and glacial till.
