igneous
Pink Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Plutonic Rock
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, gray, and black mottled; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Coarse-grained (phaneritic); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar grains; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, gray, and black mottled
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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, gray, and black mottled; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Coarse-grained (phaneritic); Cleavage: Perfect in feldspar grains; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed by the slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep underground (plutonic). Components include potassium feldspar (gives pink color), quartz, and mica/hornblende. Ages vary from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Widely used in construction, countertops, monuments, curbing, and as decorative crushed stone for landscaping.
Geological facts
The pink color is specifically due to the presence of Orthoclase (potassium feldspar). Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust and is one of the hardest natural stones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'salt and pepper' look with pink hues. Coarse grains should be visible to the naked eye. Found globally in mountainous regions or where ancient shields are exposed.
