igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink and white to gray and black depending on feldspar and quartz content, vitreous to dull luster, coarse-grained (phaneritic) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink and white to gray and black depending on feldspar and quartz content, vitreous to dull luster, coarse-grained (phaneritic) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years, commonly associated with continental crust and mountain-building processes.
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 plutonic rock in the Earth's crust and is a defining component of the continental crust. Because it cools slowly beneath the surface, it develops large, visible mineral crystals such as quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its interlocking, visible grains of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite mica or hornblende. Found globally in major mountain ranges, shields, and cratons.
