igneous
Granite
Granite (Plutonic Igneous Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Speckled pink, white, gray, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock). Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Speckled pink, white, gray, and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Speckled pink, white, gray, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock). Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of felsic magma deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years. Commonly found in continental crustal intrusions such as batholiths.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a dimension stone in architecture, kitchen countertops, paving, monuments, crushed stone for road base, and landscape features.
Geological facts
Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is carved directly into a granite outcrop.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible coarse grains of interlocking quartz (translucent glassy), potassium feldspar (pinkish), plagioclase feldspar (white), and mica/biotite (black flakes). Found worldwide in mountain ranges.
