
igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale; composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica; colors range from pink to gray; phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure; specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale; composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica; colors range from pink to gray; phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure; specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma below the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, architectural building facades, countertops, monuments, and curbing.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible interlocking mineral grains of quartz, feldspar, and dark biotite mica. Found worldwide in continental shields and mountain ranges.