
igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black speckled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Density: 2.63 to 2.75 g/cm3.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, gray, white, and black speckled
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black speckled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Density: 2.63 to 2.75 g/cm3.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma deep within the Earth's crust (plutonic). Found in continental crust plates across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Widely used for countertops, flooring, monuments, paving stones, and structural engineering due to its durability and resistance to weathering.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents and makes up the bulk of the continental crust. It is primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Field identification & locations
Look for interlocking visible crystals of various colors. It is commonly found in mountain ranges and batholiths worldwide. High scratch resistance.