igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (pink, white, gray, black) due to mineral makeup; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking 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, gray, black) due to mineral makeup; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, countertops, paving stones, and architectural facing.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common intrusive rock in the Earth's continental crust and is famous for its exceptional durability and resistance to weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, coarse-grained appearance containing visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and biotite mica. Found globally in major continental shields and mountain belts.
