igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Plutonic Igneous Rock (composed of Quartz, Alkali Feldspar, and Plagioclase)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink/Orange (orthoclase), white/gray (quartz), and black (biotite/hornblende); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Cleavage: None in the rock itself, though individual feldspar grains show cleavage.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink/Orange (orthoclase), white/gray (quartz), and black (biotite/hornblende); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) crystalline; Cleavage: None in the rock itself, though individual feldspar grains show cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). It is typically associated with continental crust and mountain-building events. Geological age can range from Archean to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Also used as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith. It is one of the hardest and most durable common stones, making it resistant to weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' or mottled appearance with visible, interlocking crystals of different colors. It is found in large plutons or mountain ranges globally, such as the Sierra Nevada or the Scottish Highlands.
