igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Igneous Rock (Granite)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, black), Luster: Dull to vitreous, Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals), Cleavage: None (fractures), Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, black), Luster: Dull to vitreous, Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals), Cleavage: None (fractures), Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Commonly found in continental crust and mountain ranges, often dating back hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. It contains quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. The word 'granite' 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 (clear/gray), feldspar (white/pink), and dark minerals like biotite or hornblende. Look for it in mountainous regions or in riverbeds.
