igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Plutonic Felsic Rock
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt and pepper (white/light grey minerals with black minerals); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Dependent on mineral (orthoclase and biotite present); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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/light grey minerals with black minerals); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Dependent on mineral (orthoclase and biotite present); Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface. Granite is primarily Found in continental crust and can range from Precambrian to Cenozoic in age.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone in roadbeds.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the continental crust. Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous granite monoliths. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its coarse-grained texture where crystals of quartz (clear/grey), feldspar (white/pink), and mica (black/shiny) are visible to the naked eye. It is commonly found in mountain ranges and continental shields.
