igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic Plutonic Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically mottled pink, gray, or white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- typically mottled pink, gray, or white
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically mottled pink, gray, or white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Origins typically date from Precambrian to Cenozoic eras, found in continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction, countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the continental crust. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones, which is why it has been used in architecture since ancient Egypt.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking granular texture and visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Commonly found in mountainous regions or areas with exposed batholiths.
