igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from pink to gray depending on its chemistry and mineralogy. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals). Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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: 6 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from pink to gray depending on its chemistry and mineralogy. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals). Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, monuments, flooring, countertops, and facing stone due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and forms the core of many mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled pink, white, gray, and black interlocking mineral grains of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
