igneous
Pink Granite
Granite (Phaneritic igneous rock rich in Orthoclase)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-pink with speckles of grey and black; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, reddish-pink with speckles of grey and black
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-pink with speckles of grey and black; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). The pink color is derived from an abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). These rocks can date back billions of years depending on the craton they are found in.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith. The pink variety is particularly prized for aesthetic architectural finishes.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture and the distinct peach-to-pink color of the feldspar crystals. It is found globally in mountainous regions and continental shields like the Canadian Shield.
