igneous
Granite
Intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, colors ranging from pink to gray, sub-to-euhedral crystal structure with phaneritic texture, specific gravity of 2.65-2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, colors ranging from pink to gray, sub-to-euhedral crystal structure with phaneritic texture, specific gravity of 2.65-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma far beneath the Earth's surface, typically originating in continental crust over geological timescales.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction for dimensional stone, countertops, monuments, and architectural facings.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common intrusive rock of Earth's continental crust and is characteristic of mountain-building events.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by visible interlocked crystals of quartz, feldspar, and dark micas; found globally in major shield areas and mountain roots.
