igneous
Porphyritic Pink Granite
Phaneritic Porphyroid Granite
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, light gray, and black mottled patterns; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic with large alkali feldspar phenocrysts; Cleavage: Poor in mass, but distinct in individual mineral grains; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 Mohs
- Color
- Pink, light gray, and black mottled patterns
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, light gray, and black mottled patterns; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic with large alkali feldspar phenocrysts; Cleavage: Poor in mass, but distinct in individual mineral grains; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive). The porphyritic texture suggests a two-stage cooling process where large crystals grew first at depth, followed by more rapid cooling of the remaining melt.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and building cladding. Also used for monuments, decorative landscaping, and as crushed stone for road base.
Geological facts
Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. The pink color in this specimen is specifically due to a high concentration of potassium feldspar (orthoclase).
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for visible interlocked crystals and large, rectangular pink feldspar crystals. Widely found in continental shield areas like the Canadian Shield or the Appalachian Mountains.
