igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Typically gray, pink, or white with dark speckles. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals). Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Typically gray, pink, or white with dark speckles
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Typically gray, pink, or white with dark speckles. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals). Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metals far beneath the Earth's surface. Geological age varies widely, ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, floor tiles, kitchen countertops, and curbing due to its high durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common intrusive rock of the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled appearance with visible interlocking quartz, feldspar, and mica crystals. Found globally in continental shields and mountain belts.
