igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, white, gray with dark mineral speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, white, gray with dark mineral speckles
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, white, gray with dark mineral speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible interlocking crystals); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years, commonly associated with continental crust and tectonic plate margins.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monument building, countertops, flooring, and decorative stone due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major part of the Earth's continental crust and is one of the oldest known rock types, with some formations dating back over 4 billion years.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive speckled appearance featuring interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals like biotite or hornblende. Found globally in shield areas and mountain ranges.
