igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic Plutonic Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Mottled grey, white, and black with visible crystals; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Mottled grey, white, and black with visible crystals
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Mottled grey, white, and black with visible crystals; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock that cools over thousands to millions of years, allowing large mineral crystals to grow. Found in continental crust ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic ages.
Uses & applications
Primary use in construction as dimension stone (countertops, flooring, monuments), aggregate for road base, and decorative landscaping. It is also a popular specimen for educational geology kits.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock in Earth's continental crust and is what makes up the core of many major mountain ranges. The famous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a massive monolith of granite.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its speckled, 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Commonly found in mountainous regions or areas with exposed batholiths. It will not scratch with a copper penny but will scratch glass.
