igneous
Granite / Pegmatite with Quartz Vein
Granite (composed mainly of Quartz SiO2, Potassium Feldspar KAlSi3O8, and Plagioclase)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pink, light gray, white, and translucent gray quartz. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Cleavage: Indistinct in quartz, perfect in feldspar grains. Structure: Coarse-grained phaneritic to pegmatitic texture with large interlocking mineral crystals.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, light gray, white, and translucent gray quartz
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pink, light gray, white, and translucent gray quartz. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Cleavage: Indistinct in quartz, perfect in feldspar grains. Structure: Coarse-grained phaneritic to pegmatitic texture with large interlocking mineral crystals.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow, deep cooling and crystallization of felsic magma rich in silica and alkali metals within continental crust pockets (plutons or pegmatite dikes).
Uses & applications
Used widely as a dimension stone in construction, kitchen countertops, monuments, and crushed aggregate for roads and concrete.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of Earth's continental crust. Pink shades are primarily caused by orthoclase feldspar, while the glassy areas consist of pure quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct speckling or large veins of glassy quartz embedded alongside pink feldspar and pale plagioclase crystals. Very common in mountainous terrain and continental shields worldwide.
