igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic Intrusive Igneous Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pinkish-tan, grey, and white with reflective mica; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Quartz, Potassium Feldspar, Plagioclase, and Mica (Muscovite/Biotite).
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pinkish-tan, grey, and white with reflective mica
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pinkish-tan, grey, and white with reflective mica; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Quartz, Potassium Feldspar, Plagioclase, and Mica (Muscovite/Biotite).
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface (plutonic). It is found in continental crust and can range in age from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic, typically formed at convergent plate boundaries.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Due to its durability and hardness, it is also used as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up the core of most continental mountain ranges. It is one of the hardest and most durable substances on Earth, which is why the Great Pyramid of Giza contains huge granite blocks in the King's Chamber.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' or speckled crystalline texture and lack of layering. Visible flakes of shiny mica and blocky pink or white feldspar crystals are key indicators. Found globally in mountainous regions.
