igneous
Granite
Granite (plutonic felsic rock, composed of quartz SiO2, potassium feldspar KAlSi3O8, plagioclase, and biotite/amphibole)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled cream, gold, tan, gray, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive crystalline structure). Cleavage: Feldspars show distinct cleavage planes.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Mottled cream, gold, tan, gray, and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled cream, gold, tan, gray, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive crystalline structure). Cleavage: Feldspars show distinct cleavage planes.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of felsic magma deep beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous environment) under high pressure and temperature over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as dimension stone, countertop slabs, building facades, monuments, floor tiles, and crushed stone for construction aggregate.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of Earth's continental crust. Commercial granite countertops often feature dramatic veining and inclusions of garnets or biotite clusters, known in the trade by specific quarry names such as 'Giallo Ornamental' or 'Santa Cecilia'.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible interlocking quartz, feldspar, and mica grains forming a spotty, coarse pattern. Widely quarried globally, especially in Brazil, India, China, and North America.
