igneous
Granite
Granite (plutonic igneous rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, light gray, yellowish-tan, or white with dark speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Texture: Phaneritic (medium to coarse-grained interlocked crystals); Specific Gravity: ~2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, light gray, yellowish-tan, or white with dark speckles
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, light gray, yellowish-tan, or white with dark speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Texture: Phaneritic (medium to coarse-grained interlocked crystals); Specific Gravity: ~2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma deep underground beneath continental crust over millions of years. Commonly exposed by subsequent uplift and erosion.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a durable construction material, dimension stone for buildings, counter tops, paving stones, monuments, and crushed aggregate for roads.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore and Yosemite's El Capitan are carved out of massive granite formations.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and biotite/amphibole. Found globally in continental igneous terrains and mountain belts.
