igneous
Granite
Phaneritic plutonic igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt and pepper (white, gray, black, pink); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Salt and pepper (white, gray, black, pink)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt and pepper (white, gray, black, pink); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a major component of continental crust and can range in age from the Archean Eon to recent geological periods.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most durable rocks on Earth, making it a primary building material for ancient structures like the Egyptian pyramids; it comprises about 70-80% of the Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is found in large mountain ranges and shield areas globally, such as the Sierra Nevada (USA) or Dartmoor (UK).
