igneous
Granite
Felsic Plutonic Rock
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish-brown, white, and grey; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Composition: Primarily quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase feldspar.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, reddish-brown, white, and grey
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish-brown, white, and grey; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Composition: Primarily quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase feldspar.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a major component of the continental crust, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most durable stones in the world. It is the rock that makes up the core of many mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada in California.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking crystals and speckled appearance. It is found in many mountainous or formerly glaciated regions. Collectors look for unique color variations or large crystal formations.
