igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors typically include pink, white, grey, or black speckled patterns, phaneritic texture with visible mineral crystals, sub-conchoidal to uneven fracture, specific gravity of 2.65 to 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 on the Mohs scale, colors typically include pink, white, grey, or black speckled patterns, phaneritic texture with visible mineral crystals, sub-conchoidal to uneven fracture, specific gravity of 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface, typically over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architecture, countertops, monuments, floor tiles, and curbing due to its high durability and resistance to weathering.
Geological facts
Granite forms the core of many major mountain ranges and is one of the most abundant rocks in the Earth's continental crust. It is virtually exclusive to Earth and has not been found in significant amounts on other terrestrial bodies.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct salt-and-pepper or speckled appearance due to the interlocked crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in shields and orogenic belts.
