igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (gray, white, pink); Luster: Phaneritic (granular/sparkly); Structure: Massive, crystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt and pepper (gray, white, pink)
- Luster
- Phaneritic (granular/sparkly)
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (gray, white, pink); Luster: Phaneritic (granular/sparkly); Structure: Massive, crystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep underground. Often Precambrian to Cenozoic in age, commonly found in continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as aggregate. Highly valued for durability and aesthetics.
Geological facts
Granite is the primary component of Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a famous granite monolith. It can contain radioactive elements like uranium in trace amounts.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found in batholiths and as rounded boulders in glacial or fluvial deposits. Scratch tests against glass and visibility of different mineral colors are key field markers.
