igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock (Felsic)
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors vary from pink to gray depending on feldspar content, vitreous to dull luster, granular phaneritic crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors vary from pink to gray depending on feldspar content, vitreous to dull luster, granular phaneritic crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface, typically occurring over millions of years within continental crustal plates.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for dimension stone, countertops, monuments, flooring, and architectural paving due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major portion of the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally resistant to weathering, which explains why ancient Egyptian obelisks and structures remain largely intact today.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct interlocking mineral grains of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase with minor dark micas or amphiboles. Common worldwide in shields and mountain ranges.
