igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Colors vary widely from pink, white, grey, to black depending on mineral composition. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Colors vary widely from pink, white, grey, to black depending on mineral composition. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. 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. Typically found in continental crusts and mountain-building regions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for dimension stone, countertops, floor tiles, curbing, and monuments due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common intrusive rock of Earth's continental crust and is essentially the building block of many mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, coarse-grained appearance showing distinct mineral grains. Found globally in shields and orogenic belts.
