igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock (composed primarily of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase)
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on its chemistry, vitreous to dull luster, granular and phaneritic crystal structure, poor cleavage, and specific gravity of 2.65 to 2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on its chemistry, vitreous to dull luster, granular and phaneritic crystal structure, poor cleavage, and specific gravity of 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years, typically found in continental crusts.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, flooring, monuments, and curbing due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common plutonic rock on Earth's crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible interlocking mineral crystals of quartz (glassy), feldspar (pink or white), and biotite (black flakes). Found globally in continental shields.
