igneous
Granite
Felsic intrusive igneous rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Varies from pink to gray, white, or black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to glassy. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals). Cleavage: None overall, though individual minerals like feldspar and mica have distinct cleavage.…
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Varies from pink to gray, white, or black depending on mineral content. Luster: Dull to glassy. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals). Cleavage: None overall, though individual minerals like feldspar and mica have distinct cleavage. Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface over millions of years. It is predominantly composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase, with minor amounts of micas and amphiboles.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, architectural buildings, countertops, monuments, paving stones, and interior design.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major part of the continental crust of the Earth. It is exceptionally durable, weathering very slowly compared to sedimentary rocks.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its speckled, interlocking crystal texture showing distinct grains of translucent quartz, white/pink feldspar, and dark biotite mica. Found worldwide in continental shields and mountain ranges.
