igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, salt-and-pepper appearance; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Cleavage: Varies by mineral constituent (feldspar has two directions); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, salt-and-pepper appearance
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, salt-and-pepper appearance; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Cleavage: Varies by mineral constituent (feldspar has two directions); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Geological age spans from the Archean Eon to the Cenozoic. It typically forms in continental crust above subduction zones.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone for road base and concrete aggregate.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a famous massive granite monolith. It is one of the hardest natural stones available.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture where minerals like quartz (clear/gray), feldspar (white/pink), and mica (black/shiny) are visible to the naked eye. Found in mountain ranges and shield areas worldwide.
