igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (Granite)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, white, pink, and black salt-and-pepper appearance; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Distinct in feldspars, none in quartz.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, white, pink, and black salt-and-pepper appearance
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, white, pink, and black salt-and-pepper appearance; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Distinct in feldspars, none in quartz.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Granite is intrusive and can date back to any geological age from the Archean to the Cenozoic, depending on the specific pluton formation.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. It is one of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds in terms of natural building materials.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its coarse mineral grains (visible to the naked eye) consisting of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in mountainous regions and continental shields like the Canadian Shield.
