igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic Plutonic Rock)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, white, pink, or reddish with dark specks. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, white, pink, or reddish with dark specks
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, white, pink, or reddish with dark specks. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface. It is a major component of continental crust and can range from Precambrian to Cenozoic in age.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and resistance to weathering.
Geological facts
Granite is one of the hardest and most durable substances on Earth, second only to diamonds. It makes up the bulk of many mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada and the Himalayas.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and coarse texture where individual crystals are visible to the naked eye. It is found in continental cratons and mountain belts worldwide.
