igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: speckled white, pink, and gray; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- speckled white, pink, and gray
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: speckled white, pink, and gray; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). This specimen's rounded shape indicates it was weathered by water in a river or beach environment.
Uses & applications
Construction, countertops, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base or decorative landscaping.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. The pink color in this specimen comes from potassium feldspar, while the clear/white is quartz and the dark specks are likely mica or hornblende.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals. Common in mountain ranges and glacial till across North America and Europe.
