igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, typically pink, white, or gray with speckled appearance, vitreous to dull luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) 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, typically pink, white, or gray with speckled appearance, 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 of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural building, countertops, monuments, and paving stones.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major part of continental crusts and is one of the most durable natural stones available.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visibly interlocking grains of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in continental shields and mountain ranges.
