igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (Granite)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Salt and pepper/mottled gray, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with visible crystals of quartz and feldspar.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Salt and pepper/mottled gray, white, and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Salt and pepper/mottled gray, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with visible crystals of quartz and feldspar.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface. It is an intrusive igneous rock typical of continental crust, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and paving stones. Also used in monuments, curbing, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most durable substances in the world. It is the signature rock of the Earth's continents and makes up the core of most mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its speckled, interlocking crystal texture. You should see translucent quartz, opaque white or pink feldspar, and dark biotite or hornblende. Commonly found in mountainous batholiths.
