igneous
Granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSpeckled gray, white, and black appearance with a granular crystalline texture and glassy-to-dull luster. Typical hardness is about 6–7 Mohs; crystals are interlocking, with no prominent cleavage in the whole rock.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Speckled gray, white, and black appearance with a granular crystalline texture and glassy-to-dull luster. Typical hardness is about 6–7 Mohs; crystals are interlocking, with no prominent cleavage in the whole rock.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly beneath Earth’s surface, allowing visible crystals to grow. Granite occurs in ancient continental crust and ranges widely in age.
Uses & applications
Used as dimension stone, countertops, paving, monuments, and decorative aggregate; attractive specimens are collected.
Geological facts
The pictured hand-sized fragment appears consistent with common granitic rock, though a photograph cannot confirm its exact composition.
Field identification & locations
Look for visible interlocking light quartz and feldspar grains with darker mica or amphibole; common in continental mountain regions worldwide. The specimen’s source and scale are unknown, so value is modest.
