igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, white, gray, or black (depending on mineral content); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, white, gray, or black (depending on mineral content)
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, white, gray, or black (depending on mineral content); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface over millions of years, typically composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, flooring, countertops, and architectural facing stone.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, interlocking crystalline texture visible to the naked eye, commonly found in continental shields and mountain ranges worldwide.
