igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Intrusive Igneous Rock
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled pattern; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals visible to the naked eye); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar minerals; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pink, gray, white, and black mottled pattern
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled pattern; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals visible to the naked eye); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar minerals; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (plutonic). The pink color is specifically due to a high abundance of potassium feldspar (orthoclase). These can date back billions of years, often forming the cores of continents.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and paving stones. Also used for monuments, gravestones, and as decorative aggregate in landscaping.
Geological facts
Granite is the most common igneous rock found at Earth's surface and makes up a large portion of the continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance with pinkish hues and visible mineral grains that are interlocked. Commonly found in mountainous regions or glacially transported as river rocks.
