igneous
Granite
Granite (composed primarily of Quartz, Potassium Feldspar, Plagioclase Feldspar, and Biotite/Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Orangey-pink to tan with dark specs of biotite mica. Luster: Vitreous to dull earthiness from weathering. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive igneous texture). Cleavage: Feldspars show distinct cleavage planes.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Orangey-pink to tan with dark specs of biotite mica
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull earthiness from weathering
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: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Orangey-pink to tan with dark specs of biotite mica. Luster: Vitreous to dull earthiness from weathering. Texture: Phaneritic (coarse-grained intrusive igneous texture). Cleavage: Feldspars show distinct cleavage planes.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of felsic magma beneath the Earth's surface deep within continental crust pluto-environments.
Uses & applications
Extensively used as a building stone, kitchen countertops, paving stones, monuments, and crushed stone for construction aggregate.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of Earth's continental crust. The pink or orange tint in specimens like this comes from orthoclase or potassium-rich alkali feldspar.
Field identification & locations
Look for visible interlocking mineral grains of pink feldspar, translucent quartz, and dark mica or amphibole flakes. Commonly found in mountainous continental regions and exposed plutons globally.
