
igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on mineral content, vitreous to dull luster, interlocking crystalline structure, specific gravity around 2.65-2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on mineral content, vitreous to dull luster, interlocking crystalline structure, specific gravity around 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years, often Precambrian to Cenozoic in age.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural buildings, monuments, countertops, and paving stones.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found abundantly in continental shields and mountain ranges worldwide.