igneous
Pink Granite (Crystalline Granite)
Igneous Intrusive Rock (Felsic Plutonic)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, salmon, or reddish-orange tones mixed with white/grey; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible interlocking crystals); Cleavage: Perfect on feldspar grains, none on quartz grains; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, salmon, or reddish-orange tones mixed with white/grey
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, salmon, or reddish-orange tones mixed with white/grey; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible interlocking crystals); Cleavage: Perfect on feldspar grains, none on quartz grains; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. The pink color is primarily due to a high concentration of Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase). These formations can range from hundreds of millions to billions of years old, often found in continental shields.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, monuments, curbing, and flooring. In smaller, tumbled forms, it is used for aquarium gravel, decorative landscaping, and as a common introductory specimen for rock collecting.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith. The pink variance is specifically caused by the presence of K-feldspar which gets its hue from impurities or radioactive decay of potassium over geological time.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' or speckled texture and its high hardness (it will scratch glass). Look for it in glaciated regions as erratic boulders or in mountain ranges like the Rockies or Adirondacks. Collectors look for pieces with large, distinct crystals.
