igneous
Granite
Phaneritic plutonic igneous rock (Sialic)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt and pepper (gray, white, black); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Salt and pepper (gray, white, black)
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt and pepper (gray, white, black); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a coarse-grained intrusive rock common in continental crusts, often hundreds of millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as aggregate. Highly valued for durability and aesthetics.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its speckled appearance and lack of foliation. Commonly found in mountainous regions or where glacial activity has deposited 'erratics'. Look for interlocking crystals of quartz and feldspar.
