igneous
Granite
Granite (composition: Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic (speckled) salt-and-pepper look with white/grey and black; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Massive, coarse-grained holocrystalline.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Phaneritic (speckled) salt-and-pepper look with white/grey and black; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Massive, coarse-grained holocrystalline.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Geological ages vary widely from Precambrian to Cenozoic, found typically in continental crust plutons.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. It is one of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds and certain other gemstones.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals. Common in mountain ranges and shield areas like the Sierra Nevada (USA) or the Scottish Highlands.
