igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Plutonic Felsic Rock (KAlSi3O8 + SiO2 + NaAlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish-white with black specks. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-white with black specks
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish-white with black specks. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Primarily found in continental crust; ages vary from Precambrian to Cenozoic depending on the location of the batholith.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as a dimension stone for buildings.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust; the famous 'Half Dome' in Yosemite National Park is a massive granite monolith.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/grey), feldspar (pink/white), and mica (black/shiny). Found in mountain ranges and eroded shield areas.
