igneous
Granite (Pink/Potassium Feldspar Granite)
Granite (plutonic rock, coarse-grained)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-orange, white, black, grey; Luster: Vitreous to dull (tumbled smooth); Cleavage: Uneven to conchoidal fracture depending on constituent minerals; Specific Gravity: ~2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-orange, white, black, grey
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull (tumbled smooth)
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite (Pink/Potassium Feldspar Granite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-orange, white, black, grey; Luster: Vitreous to dull (tumbled smooth); Cleavage: Uneven to conchoidal fracture depending on constituent minerals; Specific Gravity: ~2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow cooling and crystallization of felsic magma beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive plutonic environment). The pink hue is due to abundant orthoclase or microcline (potassium feldspar).
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction (countertops, tiles, monuments, paving), decorative stones, landscaping pebbles, and polished tumbled specimens for collectors.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. The pink or red variety contains high amounts of potassium feldspar compared to plagioclase feldspar.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible multi-mineral grain texture, featuring pink/salmon feldspar, glassy quartz, and dark specks of biotite mica or hornblende. Commonly found worldwide in mountain ranges and batholiths.
