Igneous
Granite
Granite
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Predominantly gray with black specks, containing light-colored minerals. Luster: Dull to slightly vitreous where fractured. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained).
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to slightly vitreous where fractured
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Predominantly gray with black specks, containing light-colored minerals. Luster: Dull to slightly vitreous where fractured. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Granite is an intrusive igneous rock.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in construction, monuments, paving, and occasionally for interior elements like countertops due to its durability. As a water-worn pebble, it is mostly decorative or found in landscaping.
Geological facts
This specific piece is a rounded cobble, indicating it has been transported and smoothed by water action, such as in a riverbed or along a shoreline.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its speckled appearance, interlocking coarse grains (mostly quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite or hornblende), and hardness. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and mountain ranges.
