
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.