igneous
Granite
Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock (Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Light gray with salt-and-pepper speckling; Luster: Dull/Granular to Pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Light gray with salt-and-pepper speckling
- Luster
- Dull/Granular to Pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Light gray with salt-and-pepper speckling; Luster: Dull/Granular to Pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a major component of the continental crust, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used for construction, kitchen countertops, monuments, paving stones, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most durable common rocks. The word comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and darker minerals like biotite. It is found in large mountain ranges and shield areas globally. Collectors look for unique mineral inclusions.
