igneous
Granite (Pink/Red)
Phaneritic Plutonic Felsic Rock (major minerals: Quartz, Orthoclase Feldspar, Plagioclase Feldspar)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Mottled pink, red, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar components.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Mottled pink, red, white, and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Mottled pink, red, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar components.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. The pink or red hue is caused by an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). These intrusive formations can be hundreds of millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetics.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. The red color in this specific specimen is often a result of trace amounts of hematite or impurities within the feldspar lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for a 'salt and pepper' or multicrystalline appearance where individual mineral grains are visible to the naked eye. Commonly found in mountain ranges and glacial deposits (riverbed stones).
