igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Varies widely from pink to gray, white, or black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to glassy. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and micas. Cleavage: Good cleavage on feldspar crystals.…
- Hardness
- 6 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Varies widely from pink to gray, white, or black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to glassy. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and micas. Cleavage: Good cleavage on feldspar crystals. Specific Gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of molten magma beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years. Commonly found in continental crusts.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, flooring, countertops, and decorative stone due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust and is often associated with mountain building events.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled appearance with interlocking grains of quartz (translucent/gray), feldspar (pink or white), and dark minerals like biotite mica or amphibole. Found globally in shield areas and mountain ranges.
