igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock (Granite)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish-orange, white, and grey/black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Orthoclase feldspar, quartz, and minor plagioclase/biotite.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, reddish-orange, white, and grey/black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish-orange, white, and grey/black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Composition: Orthoclase feldspar, quartz, and minor plagioclase/biotite.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma deep beneath the Earth's surface (plutonic). Found in continental crust, often appearing in mountain ranges or cratons after millions of years of erosion.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as aggregate for roads. Preferred for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
Pink granite gets its distinctive color from an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones used by humans since ancient Egyptian times.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture and the dominance of salmon-pink minerals mixed with translucent quartz. Commonly found in quarries in Brazil, India, China, and the USA.
