igneous
Granite
Granite (composed primarily of Quartz, Plagioclase, Alkali Feldspar, and Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-white with dark flecks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive crystalline structure); Cleavage: Uneven/conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs scale
- Color
- Greyish-white with dark flecks
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-white with dark flecks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive crystalline structure); Cleavage: Uneven/conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma below Earth's surface (intrusive felsic igneous rock). Commonly associated with continental crust and mountain-building zones.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building material, counter tops, monuments, paving stones, and crushed stone for construction aggregate.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore and Yosemite's Half Dome are famous geological formations composed of granite.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its speckled, coarse-grained appearance with interlocking grains of quartz, feldspar, and biotite or muscovite mica. Found abundantly worldwide in continental shields and mountain belts.
