igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic intrusive igneous rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic (medium to coarse-grained) texture with a salt-and-pepper appearance (white, pink, and black grains); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Massive/Granular; Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic (medium to coarse-grained) texture with a salt-and-pepper appearance (white, pink, and black grains); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Massive/Granular; Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow subterranean cooling of silica-rich magma (plutonic) deep within the Earth's crust. It is a major component of continental crust and can range in age from billions of years (Precambrian) to more recent tectonic events.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. It is highly valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith, and Yosemite’s El Capitan is a famous granite monolith.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/gray), feldspar (white/pink), and mica or hornblende (black). It is found globally in mountainous regions where deep-seated igneous rocks have been uplifted and exposed.
