igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale; primarily composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase; colors range from pink to gray depending on its mineral makeup; phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture; specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale; primarily composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase; colors range from pink to gray depending on its mineral makeup; phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture; specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface, allowing large mineral crystals to grow.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, countertops, flooring, and as a decorative stone.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust and is frequently found in major mountain ranges. It is extremely durable and weather-resistant.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its visibly interlocked grains of quartz (glassy), feldspar (pink or white opaque), and dark minerals like biotite mica or amphibole. Found globally in continental shields and mountain roots.
