igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from pink to gray, white, and black depending on mineral content. Luster is typically vitreous to dull. Crystalline, phaneritic texture with visible mineral grains. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65 to 2.75.
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. Colors range from pink to gray, white, and black depending on mineral content. Luster is typically vitreous to dull. Crystalline, phaneritic texture with visible mineral grains. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years. Common in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction, monuments, flooring, countertops, and decorative stone due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and is essentially the geological foundation of many mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled pink, white, and black appearance with visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and biotite mica. Found worldwide in shield areas and mountain roots.
