igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic Quartz-Feldspar rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-white with dark spots; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Imperfect; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grayish-white with dark spots
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-white with dark spots; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Imperfect; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock typical of continental crust, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found at Earth's surface. It makes up a large part of the continental crust and is unique to Earth among the planets in our solar system.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking texture of quartz (clear/gray) and feldspar (white/pink) crystals visible to the naked eye. It is found in mountain ranges and shields globally.
