igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock (Felsic)
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, colors vary widely (pink, white, gray, black) with a speckled or crystalline appearance, luster is vitreous to dull, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65-2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, colors vary widely (pink, white, gray, black) with a speckled or crystalline appearance, luster is vitreous to dull, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma rich in silica and alkali metals deep beneath the Earth's surface, typically over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architecture, monuments, countertops, flooring, and decorative aggregate.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible interlocked mineral crystals (quartz, feldspar, and mica). Found globally in continental shields and mountain ranges.
