igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Plutonic Rock (primarily Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, gray, and black speckles; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, gray, and black speckles
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, gray, and black speckles; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface in continental crust plutons. It can date from various geological eras, including the Precambrian Eon through the Cenozoic Era.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural facades, kitchen countertops, monuments, and as crushed stone for road bases.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents and makes up the core of most mountain ranges. It is resistant to weathering and acid rain.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its interlocking'salt and pepper' crystalline texture; it contains visible grains of clear quartz, white/pink feldspar, and dark flakes of biotite or hornblende. Commonly found in glaciated areas or mountain regions.
