igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (composed primarily of K-Feldspar, Quartz, and Mica)
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, salmon, or reddish with flecks of grey and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar components.
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, salmon, or reddish with flecks of grey and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, salmon, or reddish with flecks of grey and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar components.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. The pink color is derived from an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). These are typically found in batholiths and continental crust that can be billions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and monuments. It is also crushed for road base and used by collectors as a representative specimen of intrusive igneous activity.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found on the Earth's continents. The pink hue specifically points to a higher concentration of alkali feldspar rather than plagioclase feldspar.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its large, visible crystals (phaneritic texture) and the presence of quartz mixed with pink orthoclase. Commonly found in mountainous regions or shield areas like the Llano Uplift in Texas or the Scottish Highlands.
