igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale, Color: Light-colored (pink, white, grey) with dark mineral flecks, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals), Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale, Color: Light-colored (pink, white, grey) with dark mineral flecks, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals), Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma rich in silica and alkali aluminum silicates beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural monuments, countertops, flooring, and curbing.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in major mountain ranges and continental shields.
