Rock Identifier
Granite (Felsic intrusive igneous rock) — igneous
igneous

Granite

Felsic intrusive igneous rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, typically pink, gray, or white with a phaneritic texture. Composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase.

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 of 6 on the Mohs scale, typically pink, gray, or white with a phaneritic texture. Composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction, architectural facings, monuments, and countertops due to its durability.

Geological facts

Granite forms the major part of continental crusts and is one of the oldest and most durable building materials known.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its interlocking visible mineral grains of quartz and feldspar, found globally in continental shields.