igneous
Granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock composed chiefly of quartz, feldspar, and mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray-beige, speckled, visibly crystalline, with a granular texture and generally vitreous quartz grains; typical Mohs hardness is 6–7 and specific gravity about 2.6–2.7. The rounded shape may result from natural weathering or handling.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Gray-beige, speckled, visibly crystalline, with a granular texture and generally vitreous quartz grains; typical Mohs hardness is 6–7 and specific gravity about 2.6–2.7. The rounded shape may result from natural weathering or handling.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly underground, allowing crystals to grow; granite bodies occur in continental crust and span a wide range of geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used as building and paving stone, countertops, monuments, aggregate, and decorative or educational specimens.
Geological facts
Granite is a rock rather than a single mineral; its exact composition and appearance vary with the proportions of quartz, feldspar, and dark minerals.
Field identification & locations
The coarse interlocking grains and light-and-dark speckling are consistent with granite, though a photo cannot confirm the identification. It is widespread in continental mountain belts and ancient shields; a fresh surface and mineral inspection can distinguish it from similar rocks.
