igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, pink, white with speckled dark minerals; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, pink, white with speckled dark minerals
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, pink, white with speckled dark minerals; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma rich in silica and alkali feldspar deep beneath the Earth's surface, typically over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural buildings, countertops, monuments, and paving stones.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock in the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found abundantly in continental shield areas and mountain ranges worldwide.
