igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Igneous Rock (primarily Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, pink, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct on the rock, though component minerals like feldspar show it.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, pink, black)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, pink, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct on the rock, though component minerals like feldspar show it.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is an intrusive rock found in massive plutons and batholiths, often dating from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. It is one of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds and some gemstones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking texture of visible crystals (quartz, feldspar, biotite). It is commonly found in mountain ranges and shields. To identify in the field, look for a speckled, crystalline texture that cannot be scratched by a steel blade.
