igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic Igneous Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, black, pink); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, black, pink)
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, black, pink); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock found in continental crust across all geological ages, especially in mountain roots and cratons.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and as a decorative building stone. Also used as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith in South Dakota.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of varied colors (white/clear quartz, opaque feldspar, and dark biotite). It is one of the most common rocks found in continental mountain ranges.
