igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Varies from pink to gray, white, or black depending on mineral composition. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking mineral crystals). Cleavage: Varies by constituent minerals (quartz, feldspar, mica). Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Varies from pink to gray, white, or black depending on mineral composition. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking mineral crystals). Cleavage: Varies by constituent minerals (quartz, feldspar, mica). Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface. Geological age varies widely, from Precambrian shields to recent volcanic arcs.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural building facades, countertops, monuments, paving stones, and landscaping.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust. Stone Mountain in Georgia and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota are massive monoliths primarily composed of granite.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled appearance with visible interlocking crystals of quartz (translucent/gray), feldspar (pink or white), and mica (black flakes). Found globally in continental shields and mountain belts.
