igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish, grey, or white with dark speckles. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals). Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish, grey, or white with dark speckles
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pinkish, grey, or white with dark speckles. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals). Specific gravity: 2.65 - 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma rich in silica and alkali feldspar deep beneath the Earth's surface.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, countertops, flooring, and decorative stone due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common plutonic rock in the Earth's continental crust. It forms the core of many major mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking, visible mineral grains of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Common globally in continental shields and intrusive mountain roots.
