igneous
Granite
Granitoid (dominated by Quartz and Feldspar)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, salt-and-pepper appearance. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline. Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, salt-and-pepper appearance
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, salt-and-pepper appearance. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline. Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). They can be hundreds of millions to billions of years old, typically found in continental crust.
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 a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. It is often found in the roots of mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada or the Appalachians.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking mineral grains of quartz (glassy gray), feldspar (opaque white/pink), and mica (black specks). Found globally in continental shields and mountain belts.
