igneous
Granite
Granite
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, gray, white, or red with dark mineral grains. Luster: Dull to pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Cleavage: Generally none, but individual minerals like mica or feldspar within it have cleavage. Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, gray, white, or red with dark mineral grains
- Luster
- Dull to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, gray, white, or red with dark mineral grains. Luster: Dull to pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Cleavage: Generally none, but individual minerals like mica or feldspar within it have cleavage. Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Mainly composed of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica and amphiboles. Often found in continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and curbing due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world. The word comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking crystalline texture containing both light (quartz/feldspar) and dark (biotite/hornblende) minerals. Common in glacial till or riverbeds in continental regions.
