igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, white, or pinkish with visible crystalline grains. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Granular/Phaneritic. Cleavage: Indistinct on the rock as a whole.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, white, or pinkish with visible crystalline grains
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, white, or pinkish with visible crystalline grains. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Granular/Phaneritic. Cleavage: Indistinct on the rock as a whole.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface. It is a major component of continental crust and can date back billions of years depending on the pluton.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most common rocks on Earth. The name comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, referring to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Commonly found in mountainous regions or where ancient continental crust is exposed. Look for the 'salt and pepper' appearance.
