igneous
Pink Granite
Granite (rich in Potassium Feldspar/Orthoclase)
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale; Pink to reddish-pink with speckles of grey quartz and black mica/amphibole; vitreous to dull luster; phaneritic coarse-grained texture; specific gravity ~2.63-2.75.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6-7 on Mohs scale; Pink to reddish-pink with speckles of grey quartz and black mica/amphibole; vitreous to dull luster; phaneritic coarse-grained texture; specific gravity ~2.63-2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow cooling and crystallization of felsic magma deep beneath the Earth's crust (plutonic environment), allowing visible mineral crystals to grow. Rich in potassium-feldspar, giving it its distinctive pinkish tone.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction, dimension stone, counter tops, monuments, paving, crushed stone for road aggregate, and landscaping gravel.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a major part of the Earth's continental crust. Pink granite specifically gets its distinct color from an abundance of orthoclase feldspar containing trace micro-inclusions of iron oxides.
Field identification & locations
Look for a coarse-grained, speckled appearance where pink feldspar crystals are interspersed with translucent quartz and dark biotite or hornblende. Commonly found in continental shield areas and mountainous igneous batholith regions.
