igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from pink, white, grey, to black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phanerozoic, coarse-grained interlocking crystals. Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color ranges from pink, white, grey, to black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phanerozoic, coarse-grained interlocking crystals. Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface. Geological age spans from the Precambrian to recent times.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for dimension stone, countertops, floor tiles, and monuments due to its high durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible speckled grains of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in continental shields and intrusive plutons.
