igneous
Granite
Granite, a coarse-grained intrusive felsic rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectThe small gray-green specimen has a granular, crystalline texture with pale and dark mineral grains. Typical granite minerals have Mohs hardness of about 6–7; the exact composition and properties cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
The small gray-green specimen has a granular, crystalline texture with pale and dark mineral grains. Typical granite minerals have Mohs hardness of about 6–7; the exact composition and properties cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Formation & geological history
Granite forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly underground, allowing visible crystals to grow. It occurs in continental crust of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Granite is used for building stone, countertops, paving, monuments, and decorative objects; this small rough piece is mainly suitable for collecting.
Geological facts
Granite is a rock rather than a single mineral, and its color varies with the proportions of feldspar, quartz, and dark minerals.
Field identification & locations
Look for interlocking grains and distinguishable light quartz/feldspar with darker minerals; common in continental mountain belts and exposed cratons. A photo cannot establish the specimen’s exact identity.
