igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale; pink, white, gray, or black coloration due to mineral content; phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica; vitreous to dull luster; specific gravity around 2.65-2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale; pink, white, gray, or black coloration due to mineral content; phaneritic (coarse-grained) texture with visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica; vitreous to dull luster; specific gravity around 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and crystallization of magma rich in silica and alkali aluminum silicates beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural building facades, monuments, countertops, paving stones, and interior tiles.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common intrusive rock of the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, coarse-grained appearance containing interlocking crystals of quartz and feldspar. Found worldwide in continental shields and intrusive plutons.
