igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Igneous Rock (composed primarily of Quartz SiO2, Alkali Feldspar (K,Na)AlSi3O8, and Plagioclase Feldspar)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan with dark inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible coarse-grained crystals); Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar components.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-tan with dark inclusions
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan with dark inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible coarse-grained crystals); Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar components.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). This process occurrs over millions of years within the Earth's crust, commonly associated with continental plates.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a construction material for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, and curbing. It is also used in monument carving and as high-quality aggregate for road building.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith. Its name comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' or multicrystalline appearance where individual mineral grains (pink feldspar, clear quartz, dark mica/hornblende) are large enough to see with the naked eye. Found globally in mountainous regions and shield areas.
