igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Varies from pink to gray, white, and black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to vitreous or pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals).…
- Hardness
- 6 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous or pearly
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Varies from pink to gray, white, and black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to vitreous or pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals). Cleavage: None overall, but individual feldspar and quartz crystals exhibit specific cleavage. Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface, typically composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, buildings, monuments, paving, countertops, and interior tiles due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable, weathering very slowly over geological timescales.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic speckled appearance featuring visible grains of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite mica. Found worldwide in continental shields and mountain roots.
