igneous
Granite
Granite (plutonic igneous rock)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish-orange to light gray with darker speckles. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals). Composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase with minor mafic minerals like biotite.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-orange to light gray with darker speckles
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish-orange to light gray with darker speckles. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals). Composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase with minor mafic minerals like biotite.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of felsic magma deep beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous activity). Common in continental crust and mountain belt cores, dating from Precambrian to recent geological eras.
Uses & applications
Extensive use as a dimension stone in construction, countertops, monuments, paving stones, and aggregate for road base. Minor use as decorative rock for landscaping.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore, the base of the Statue of Liberty, and many famous mountain peaks like Half Dome in Yosemite are made of granite.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its coarse-grained interlocking matrix of quartz (translucent gray/white), feldspar (pink, white, or salmon-colored), and dark mica or amphibole flakes. Extremely widespread in continental shield regions and mountain ranges worldwide.
