
igneous
Granite
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors ranging from pink to gray with speckled appearance, sub-glossy or dull luster, phaneritic crystal structure with visible mineral grains, specific gravity of 2.65 to 2.75.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, colors ranging from pink to gray with speckled appearance, sub-glossy or dull luster, phaneritic crystal structure with visible mineral grains, specific gravity of 2.65 to 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma rich in silica and alkali metal oxides deep beneath the Earth's surface, typically dating from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in commercial construction, countertops, monuments, flooring, and architectural facades.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common plutonic rock of Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally durable against weathering.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct interlocking mineral crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Found globally in major mountain ranges and continental shields.