igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors typically range from pink to gray depending on mineral composition, sub-metallic or vitreous luster, phaneritic crystal structure with visible interlocking crystals, poor cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors typically range from pink to gray depending on mineral composition, sub-metallic or vitreous luster, phaneritic crystal structure with visible interlocking crystals, poor cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, flooring, countertops, and decorative stone.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major part of the continental crust and is one of the oldest known rock types on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, coarse-grained appearance containing quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in major mountain ranges and continental shields.
