igneous
Quartz-rich granite or granitic pegmatite fragment
Granite; chiefly quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and minor mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectCoarse-grained, pale gray-white rock with translucent quartz and blocky feldspar; glassy to pearly luster, no obvious cleavage in quartz, Mohs hardness about 6–7, and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
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Physical properties
Coarse-grained, pale gray-white rock with translucent quartz and blocky feldspar; glassy to pearly luster, no obvious cleavage in quartz, Mohs hardness about 6–7, and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich magma cooled slowly underground, allowing visible crystals to grow; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph and may range from Precambrian to recent intrusive bodies.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as building stone, countertops, monuments, aggregate, and landscaping material; ordinary hand specimens have little commercial value.
Geological facts
The granular texture distinguishes granite from volcanic rocks, which cool too quickly for large crystals. Pinkish areas are likely potassium feldspar, while the darker grains may be biotite or hornblende.
Field identification & locations
Common worldwide, especially in continental mountain belts and exposed batholiths; identify it by interlocking visible quartz and feldspar crystals, unlike concrete, which often contains rounded aggregate in a cement matrix.
