igneous
Granite pebble
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray with visible dark and light mineral grains; typically Mohs 6–7, vitreous quartz and feldspar luster, interlocking crystals, and no preferred cleavage at the rock scale. The photo’s grain size and texture suggest granite, though identification from the image is approximate.
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Physical properties
Gray with visible dark and light mineral grains; typically Mohs 6–7, vitreous quartz and feldspar luster, interlocking crystals, and no preferred cleavage at the rock scale. The photo’s grain size and texture suggest granite, though identification from the image is approximate.
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich magma cooled slowly beneath Earth’s surface, allowing crystals to grow; granite occurs in crust of many ages, from Archean to recent geological eras.
Uses & applications
Used as building and paving stone, countertops, monuments, and aggregate; small pebbles are mainly decorative or collected as hand specimens.
Geological facts
Granite is a rock, not a single mineral; its exact appearance varies with proportions of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals.
Field identification & locations
Look for a hard, speckled, interlocking mixture of light quartz/feldspar and darker mica or amphibole; common in continental crust and stream or beach gravels derived from granite outcrops.
