igneous
Granite
Granite (Plutonic Igneous Rock)
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors vary from pink to gray depending on its chemistry, vitreous to dull luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors vary from pink to gray depending on its chemistry, vitreous to dull luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma rich in silica and alkali aluminum silicates beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, countertops, monuments, and architectural facings due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common intrusive igneous rock on Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its distinct interlocking visible grains of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite mica or amphibole. Commonly found globally in continental shields and intrusive mountain belts.
