igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Typically pink, white, or gray with dark mineral speckles. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and micas). Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Typically pink, white, or gray with dark mineral speckles
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Typically pink, white, or gray with dark mineral speckles. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and micas). Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years. Common in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, countertops, flooring, and architectural cladding due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled appearance with visible interlocking pink or white feldspar grains, glassy quartz, and dark biotite mica flakes. Found globally in shield areas and mountainous regions.
