igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic Igneous Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (pink, white, grey, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt and pepper (pink, white, grey, black)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (pink, white, grey, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Most granites date back to the Precambrian or Paleozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops (as seen in the background), floor tiles, paving stone, monuments, and curbing due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its interlocking visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is found in mountain ranges and continental shields worldwide.
