igneous
Granite
Felsic Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, pink, and black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Individual minerals (mica/feldspar) have cleavage, but the rock itself has none; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, pink, and black)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, gray, pink, and black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Individual minerals (mica/feldspar) have cleavage, but the rock itself has none; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (plutonic). It can range in age from billions of years old to relatively recent geological time as long as the magma had time to cool slowly underground.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and curbing. It is also used for cemetery monuments, bridges, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Everest's summit is unique, but much of the Himalayan range is composed of leucogranite. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its speckled 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is found in massive plutons called batholiths. Collectors should look for rare colors or large, well-formed accessory crystals like garnet or tourmaline within the matrix.
