igneous
Granite
Granite; chiefly quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and mica/amphibole
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectCoarse-grained, speckled gray-brown rock with interlocking crystals; hardness about 6–7 Mohs, nonmetallic luster, massive texture, and no prominent cleavage as a whole.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Coarse-grained, speckled gray-brown rock with interlocking crystals; hardness about 6–7 Mohs, nonmetallic luster, massive texture, and no prominent cleavage as a whole.
Formation & geological history
An intrusive felsic igneous rock formed by slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep in the crust, commonly during Precambrian to Phanerozoic mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Widely used for building stone, countertops, monuments, paving, aggregate, and dimension stone; attractive pieces may be collected but generally have modest value.
Geological facts
Its visible crystals record slow underground cooling; weathering commonly produces rounded blocks and granular sandy debris.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by quartz’s glassy gray grains, pink/white feldspar, and dark mica or amphibole in a coarse interlocking mosaic; common worldwide in continental shields and mountain belts.
