igneous
Granite
Intrusive Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic texture with pink (potassium feldspar), white (plagioclase), grey (quartz), and black (biotite/amphibole) grains; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Holocrystalline.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic texture with pink (potassium feldspar), white (plagioclase), grey (quartz), and black (biotite/amphibole) grains; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Holocrystalline.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface in continental crust. This specimen likely dates from any orogenic event ranging from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction (countertops, flooring, monuments), aggregate for road base, and as decorative dimension stone.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the continental crust. It is one of the hardest natural stones and is resistant to most weathering and acidic rain.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture where individual mineral crystals are visible to the naked eye. Found globally in the hearts of mountain ranges and shield areas.
