igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Intrusive Igneous Rock (Quartz-Feldspar dominant)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Salt-and-pepper (gray, white, black), Luster: Dull to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals), Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Salt-and-pepper (gray, white, black), Luster: Dull to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals), Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface. It is a major component of the 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 one of the hardest and most common substances in the world. The word granite comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to the coarse-grained structure of such a holocrystalline rock.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking mineral grains (quartz, feldspar, mica). It will not be scratched by a steel knife. Found in various mountainous regions and glacial deposits globally.
