igneous
Granite
Felsic Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: typically white, pink, or gray with visible darker grains. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture on quartz, distinct on feldspar). Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- typically white, pink, or gray with visible darker grains
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: typically white, pink, or gray with visible darker grains. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture on quartz, distinct on feldspar). Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow subterranean cooling of silica-rich magma (felsic). It can vary in age from millions to billions of years, often found in the continental crust and mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and memorial monuments. It is also used as crushed stone for road base and railroad ballast.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Famous peaks like Yosemite's Half Dome and the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif are composed of granite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture consisting of quartz (translucent), feldspar (pink/white), and mica (black flakes). Found globally in mountainous regions and glacial deposits as boulders.
