igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. Color varies from pink to gray with a phaneritic, coarse-grained texture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. Color varies from pink to gray with a phaneritic, coarse-grained texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides deep underground over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for countertops, flooring, monuments, and as crushed stone for infrastructure.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common rock of Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its interlocking visible mineral crystals of quartz, feldspar, and dark biotite mica. Found globally in major mountain ranges and shields.
