igneous
Granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale gray to tan, speckled, and visibly crystalline with a granular texture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, while feldspars are about 6. Luster is mostly glassy to dull, and the rock has no consistent cleavage or specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
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Physical properties
Pale gray to tan, speckled, and visibly crystalline with a granular texture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, while feldspars are about 6. Luster is mostly glassy to dull, and the rock has no consistent cleavage or specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Granite forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly deep in continental crust, allowing large crystals to grow. It occurs in ancient plutons and batholiths, with ages ranging from very young to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Used as building and paving stone, countertops, monuments, aggregate, and occasionally decorative carving material.
Geological facts
Its visible grains are interlocking crystals; quartz is commonly gray or translucent, feldspar lighter, and mica appears as dark flecks.
Field identification & locations
Look for a hard, speckled rock with interlocking light minerals and occasional dark mica; it will not fizz in dilute acid. Granite is widespread in continental mountain belts and exposed shields.
