igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, gray, speckled); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica); Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Varies widely (pink, white, gray, speckled)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, gray, speckled); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica); Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years, typically associated with continental crust and mountain-building processes.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, countertops, flooring, and decorative stone due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust and is unique to Earth among the terrestrial planets in our solar system.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled appearance with visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite. Found globally in shield areas and mountain roots.
