igneous
Granite (with Orthoclase and Quartz)
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (KAlSi3O8 + SiO2)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Pink/Salmon (Orthoclase) and Gray/Translucent (Quartz), Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Structure: Crystalline/Phaneritic, Cleavage: Two directions at 90 degrees in feldspar crystals, Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Pink/Salmon (Orthoclase) and Gray/Translucent (Quartz), Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Structure: Crystalline/Phaneritic, Cleavage: Two directions at 90 degrees in feldspar crystals, Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of felsic magma deep beneath the Earth's surface (plutonic). Found in continental crust, often dating from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction (countertops, floor tiles, paving stones), as crushed stone for road base, and as dimensional stone for monuments and memorials.
Geological facts
Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. Its pink color is specifically due to Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase), while the gray smoky parts are Quartz crystals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for visible interlocked crystals of different colors. It's commonly found in mountain ranges and shields. Collectors should look for signs of large inclusions or unique mineral coloration.
