Rock Identifier
Granite (Intrusive Igneous Rock) — igneous
igneous

Granite

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, predominantly pink to red (due to potassium feldspar) with white/clear quartz and dark micas or amphiboles, dull to vitreous luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.

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 of 6 on the Mohs scale, predominantly pink to red (due to potassium feldspar) with white/clear quartz and dark micas or amphiboles, dull to vitreous luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction, architectural buildings, monuments, countertops, and decorative tiles.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its speckled, interlocking crystalline texture visible to the naked eye. Found worldwide in ancient shields and mountain roots.