igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic Plutonic Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pinkish-orange, tan, and grey with black speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pinkish-orange, tan, and grey with black speckles
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pinkish-orange, tan, and grey with black speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep underground. Typically found in continental crust and may date from many millions to billions of years old.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in construction for countertops, flooring, monuments, and as crushed stone for road building.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock found on the Earth's continental surface and makes up the core of major mountain ranges. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its interlocking visible crystals of feldspar (pink/tan), quartz (clear/grey), and mica or hornblende (black). It is extremely common worldwide.
