
igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, gray, white, greenish) depending on mineral content; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, gray, white, greenish) depending on mineral content; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monument building, countertops, floor tiles, and architectural facing.
Geological facts
Granite forms the core of many major mountain ranges and is one of the most abundant rocks in the Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its interlocking, visible grains of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in continental shields and orogenic belts.