igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, with a mottled pink, white, and gray color. It exhibits a phaneritic texture and a vitreous to dull luster.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, with a mottled pink, white, and gray color. It exhibits a phaneritic texture and a vitreous to dull luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface, typically originating during the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, flooring, and monuments due to its exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the primary component of the continental crust on Earth. Some of the oldest known rock formations on the planet are granitic gneisses.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is globally abundant in mountain ranges and shields.
