igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous felsic rock
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (white, grey, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Composition: Quartz, Feldspar, and Biotite/Hornblende.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt and pepper (white, grey, black)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (white, grey, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Composition: Quartz, Feldspar, and Biotite/Hornblende.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface in continental crust. It can range in age from billions of years to relatively young mountain-building periods.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, countertops, monuments, floor tiles, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. It is extremely durable and resistant to weathering, which is why it is used for massive sculptures like Mount Rushmore.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its visible interlocking crystals of varied colors. Commonly found in mountain ranges and glacial deposits. For collectors, look for uniform texture and lack of layering.
