igneous
Granite (specifically Pink or Red Granite)
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (Granite)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled pink, red, grey, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Mottled pink, red, grey, 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, grey, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Geological age varies from Precambrian to Cenozoic depending on the pluton. It typically forms in continental crust above subduction zones.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone for road base and railroad ballast. Well-polished specimens are used in decorative sculpture.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous exposed granite monoliths. The red color in this specimen is primarily due to the presence of potassium feldspar (orthoclase).
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' or mottled appearance and coarse grains that are interlocking. It is found in large mountain ranges and continental shields. Collectors look for large, well-formed crystals of the constituent minerals like smoky quartz or biotite.
