igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, predominantly pink/white with dark mineral specks, vitreous to dull luster, phaneritic crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65-2.75
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, predominantly pink/white with dark mineral specks, vitreous to dull luster, phaneritic crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali feldspar deep beneath the Earth's surface, typically during various geological eras from Precambrian to Cenozoic
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monument building, countertops, floor tiles, and curbing
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock type in the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct interlocking mineral grains of quartz, feldspar, and micas; found globally in shields and orogenic belts
