igneous
Granite
Granite (composed primarily of Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (white, grey, pink, black); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystalline); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Salt and pepper (white, grey, pink, black)
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (white, grey, pink, black); Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystalline); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). They can be hundreds of millions to billions of years old, often found in continental crust.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the continental crust. The term comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking crystalline texture and lack of layering. It is found globally in mountain ranges and shield areas. Collectors value specimens with large, well-defined crystals.
