igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, grey, black) due to mineral content; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, grey, black) due to mineral content; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years, typically found in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, architectural building facades, countertops, monuments, and paving stones.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its interlocking, visible mineral crystals of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite mica. Common worldwide in shields and cratons.
