igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on mineral makeup, dull to vitreous luster, granular and phaneritic crystal structure, specific gravity between 2.65 and 2.75
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on mineral makeup, dull to vitreous luster, granular and phaneritic crystal structure, specific gravity between 2.65 and 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma below the Earth's surface over millions of years
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, buildings, bridges, paving, monuments, and interior countertops
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
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct visible interlocking mineral grains (quartz, feldspar, mica); found globally in continental shields and mountain roots
