igneous
Granite (Pink/Red Granite)
Felsic Plutonic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-orange, tan, and cream with dark speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive crystals); Cleavage: Perfect to poor depending on mineral grains.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, reddish-orange, tan, and cream with dark speckles
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-orange, tan, and cream with dark speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive crystals); Cleavage: Perfect to poor depending on mineral grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of silica-rich (felsic) magma deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years, often in continental crust environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a dimension stone in construction, kitchen countertops, monument carving, architectural facing, and crushed stone aggregate.
Geological facts
The distinctive pink-to-red color in granite comes from abundant potassium feldspar (orthoclase/microcline). Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its coarse-grained interlocking texture featuring visible pink feldspar, glassy quartz, and minor dark biotite or hornblende. Extremely common worldwide in continental shields and mountain roots.
