igneous
Granite and Igneous Rock Collection
Intrusive igneous rock / Granitoid
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Colors vary widely from pink and white to gray and black, depending on the mineral composition. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica). Cleavage: Varies by constituent minerals.…
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Colors vary widely from pink and white to gray and black, depending on the mineral composition. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica). Cleavage: Varies by constituent minerals. Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years, typically associated with continental crust formation.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, as dimension stone for buildings, monuments, paving, countertops, and interior tiles.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, interlocking crystalline texture visible to the naked eye. Found worldwide in continental shields and mountain roots.
