igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Igneous Rock (Granoid)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper/mottled white, grey, and black; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt and pepper/mottled white, grey, and black
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper/mottled white, grey, and black; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive). They belong to many geological ages, forming the bulk of the continental crust.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and memorial monuments due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds. It makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its coarse-grained interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Commonly found in mountainous regions or glacial deposits as rounded cobbles.
