igneous
Pink granite
Coarse-grained felsic granitoid, chiefly quartz, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, and biotite/hornblende
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6–7; salmon-pink, gray, black, and cream colors with a coarse granular texture and vitreous-to-dull luster. Crystals are interlocking and show no prominent cleavage as a rock; feldspar may cleave. Typical specific gravity is 2.60–2.75.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Pink granite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness about 6–7; salmon-pink, gray, black, and cream colors with a coarse granular texture and vitreous-to-dull luster. Crystals are interlocking and show no prominent cleavage as a rock; feldspar may cleave. Typical specific gravity is 2.60–2.75.
Formation & geological history
Slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep in the continental crust, allowing large crystals to form; the specimen likely crystallized millions to billions of years ago and was later exposed by uplift and erosion.
Uses & applications
Widely used for countertops, monuments, building stone, paving, crushed aggregate, and landscaping; attractive polished pieces are collected but usually have modest value.
Geological facts
The pink color commonly comes from potassium feldspar, while dark flakes are biotite or amphibole and translucent grains are quartz. Strictly, many rocks sold as “granite” are broader granitoid varieties.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its visible interlocking pink feldspar, gray/translucent quartz, and black mica or amphibole; it is common in continental mountain belts and shield regions worldwide. A fresh broken surface best reveals the texture.
