Rock Identifier
Granite (Intrusive Igneous Rock) — igneous
igneous

Granite

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly light-colored (pink, white, grey) with darker mineral speckles, sub-vitreous to dull luster, coarse-grained phaneritic crystal structure, lacks prominent cleavage, and has a specific gravity of 2.65-2.75.

Identified More igneous
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Physical properties

Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly light-colored (pink, white, grey) with darker mineral speckles, sub-vitreous to dull luster, coarse-grained phaneritic crystal structure, lacks prominent cleavage, and has a specific gravity of 2.65-2.75.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface over millions of years, typically ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic geological ages.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction for dimensional stone, countertops, floor tiles, curbing, monuments, and as crushed aggregate in civil engineering projects.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its visibly intergrown interlocking crystals of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase, along with dark biotite mica or amphibole flakes. Found globally in continental shields and orogenic belts.