igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock (composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase)
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on its chemistry, dull to vitreous luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
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 of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors range from pink to gray depending on its chemistry, dull to vitreous luster, phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma below the Earth's surface over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, flooring, curbing, and monuments due to its durability.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally resistant to weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible, interlocking mineral grains of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found worldwide in continental shields and mountain ranges.
