igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from pink to gray, depending on its chemistry and mineralogy. Luster is typically vitreous to dull. Phaneritic texture with visible interlocking mineral crystals of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase, along with dark minerals like biotite or hornblende.…
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from pink to gray, depending on its chemistry and mineralogy. Luster is typically vitreous to dull. Phaneritic texture with visible interlocking mineral crystals of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase, along with dark minerals like biotite or hornblende. Specific gravity ranges from 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, buildings, bridges, paving, monuments, and as dimension stone for countertops and tiles.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common plutonic rock of the Earth's crust and forms the major part of continental tectonic plates. It has been used as a durable building material since ancient Egyptian times.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, salt-and-pepper appearance consisting of light-colored quartz/feldspar and dark biotite or amphibole. Found globally in continental shields and mountain belts.
