igneous
Polished granite egg
Granite, chiefly quartz, feldspar, and dark mica or amphibole
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6–7 Mohs; mottled gray, black, and cream with a yellow-brown patch, polished surface, and interlocking crystalline texture. Individual grains show no obvious cleavage; typical granite specific gravity is about 2.6–2.7.
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Physical properties
Hardness about 6–7 Mohs; mottled gray, black, and cream with a yellow-brown patch, polished surface, and interlocking crystalline texture. Individual grains show no obvious cleavage; typical granite specific gravity is about 2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Granite forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly underground, allowing visible crystals to grow; granites range widely in age, from ancient Precambrian rocks to younger intrusions. The egg shape and polish are human-made.
Uses & applications
Decorative carving, desk ornament, or collectible; granite is also widely used for countertops, monuments, and building stone.
Geological facts
Granite is a rock rather than a single mineral, and its exact appearance depends on the proportions and types of feldspar, quartz, and dark minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its coarse, interlocking light and dark grains; the polished surface can make grains harder to distinguish. Granite is found on every continent, especially in continental crust and mountain belts.
