igneous
Granite
Granite (Felsic intrusive igneous rock)
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, black); Luster: Phaneritic (crystalline, dull to vitreous minerals); Crystal structure: Coarse-grained granular; Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, black)
- Luster
- Phaneritic (crystalline, dull to vitreous minerals)
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: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, black); Luster: Phaneritic (crystalline, dull to vitreous minerals); Crystal structure: Coarse-grained granular; Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Primarily Precambrian to Cenozoic in age depending on location. Found in continental crust within plutons and batholiths.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as a dimension stone.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. Unlike oceanic crust which is primarily basalt, granite is unique to Earth and is not common on other planets in our solar system.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking coarse crystals of quartz and feldspar; found in mountain ranges and eroded shield areas. Tip: look for the glassy, translucent quartz grains interspersed with opaque white/pink feldspar and black biotite.
