igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic Plutonic Igneous Rock (high K-feldspar content)
Hardness: 6–7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish, or salmon mottled with grey and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar grains; Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Hardness
- 6–7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, reddish, or salmon mottled with grey and black
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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: 6–7 Mohs; Color: Pink, reddish, or salmon mottled with grey and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar grains; Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of magma deep underground (intrusive) over millions of years, often during the Precambrian or Paleozoic eras. Found in continental crust within batholiths.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Geological facts
The pink color is caused by an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. Famous peaks like Half Dome in Yosemite are composed of granite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking crystalline texture where grains are visible to the naked eye. Look for the 'salt and pepper' look with distinct pink patches. Common in mountain ranges and glacial deposits.
