igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, grey, black) due to feldspar and quartz content; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, grey, black) due to feldspar and quartz content; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface over millions of years, typically in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural buildings, countertops, monuments, and paving stones.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common plutonic rock of Earth's crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled appearance showing interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Commonly found globally in continental shields and mountain belts.
