igneous
Granite Pebble
Granite (plutonic igneous rock)
Coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture. Hardness around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors include pinkish-red (k-feldspar), white/clear (quartz), and black/dark green specks (biotite mica or amphibole). Dull to vitreous luster. Rounded water-worn rounded form.
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Physical properties
Coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture. Hardness around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors include pinkish-red (k-feldspar), white/clear (quartz), and black/dark green specks (biotite mica or amphibole). Dull to vitreous luster. Rounded water-worn rounded form.
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's crust through the slow crystallization of felsic magma rich in silica and alkali metals. This specific specimen has been stream- or wave-rounded into a smooth pebble over geological time.
Uses & applications
Granite is widely used as a construction stone, dimension stone for countertops and tiles, crushed stone for aggregate, and decorative landscaping rock. Rounded beach/river pebbles are popular in aquariums and landscaping.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major part of the Earth's continental crust. The pink color in this specimen comes from orthoclase (potassium) feldspar, which is one of the most common minerals on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of pink feldspar, quartz, and dark minerals, along with its high hardness and rounded stream-worn texture. Commonly found in glaciated regions, riverbeds, and ocean beaches worldwide.
