igneous
Granite
Phaneritic felsic intrusive igneous rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, with a mottled pink, white, and gray color. It has a dull to subvitreous luster and a granular, interlocking crystalline structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, with a mottled pink, white, and gray color. It has a dull to subvitreous luster and a granular, interlocking crystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma beneath Earth's surface, typically occurring during continental plate tectonic activity.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for dimensional stone, floor tiles, and countertops, as well as monuments and curbing.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering over long periods.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found abundantly in continental shields and mountain ranges globally.
