igneous
Granite
Phaneritic plutonic rock (Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Mottled gray, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63–2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Mottled gray, white, and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Mottled gray, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63–2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a coarse-grained intrusive rock rich in silica and alkali metal oxides.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. It is one of the hardest natural stones, making it extremely durable for outdoor monuments.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite. It is found in large mountain ranges and batholiths worldwide.
