igneous
Granite
Granite (composed primarily of Quartz, Alkali Feldspar, and Plagioclase)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic texture with white, gray, and black speckles; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Massive, granular; Cleavage: None (though feldspars show cleavage)
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Phaneritic texture with white, gray, and black speckles
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic texture with white, gray, and black speckles; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Massive, granular; Cleavage: None (though feldspars show cleavage)
Formation & geological history
Intrusive igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface. Found in continental crust plates, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and resistance to weathering.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the most common rocks in the Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the Latin word 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its phaneritic (visible) crystals of different colors. It is found in mountain ranges and glacial deposits. For collectors, rounded river-worn specimens like this are common and easy to find globally.
