igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock
Hardness (Mohs): 6-7; Color: Pink, red, white, gray, and black mottled pattern; Luster: Dull to Vitreous (glassy crystals); Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained coarse crystals visible to the naked eye); Cleavage: None in the rock itself, but present in feldspar components; Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
- Color
- Pink, red, white, gray, and black mottled pattern
- Luster
- Dull to Vitreous (glassy crystals)
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Physical properties
Hardness (Mohs): 6-7; Color: Pink, red, white, gray, and black mottled pattern; Luster: Dull to Vitreous (glassy crystals); Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained coarse crystals visible to the naked eye); Cleavage: None in the rock itself, but present in feldspar components; Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface (intrusive). The pink color comes from potassium-rich orthoclase feldspar. Geological age can span from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous giant granite monoliths.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' or mottled appearance and the presence of interlocking crystals of quartz and feldspar. Found globally in mountainous regions or shield areas where ancient basement rock is exposed.
