igneous
Weathered granite or granitic rock
Granite; chiefly quartz, feldspar, and mica, with possible iron-oxide staining
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectFine- to medium-grained, pinkish tan and mottled, with a dull to faintly sparkly luster; likely Mohs hardness 6–7, no obvious cleavage as a whole, and granular interlocking crystals. The image is insufficient to distinguish granite from closely related granitic rocks such as granodiorite.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Weathered granite or granitic rock in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Fine- to medium-grained, pinkish tan and mottled, with a dull to faintly sparkly luster; likely Mohs hardness 6–7, no obvious cleavage as a whole, and granular interlocking crystals. The image is insufficient to distinguish granite from closely related granitic rocks such as granodiorite.
Formation & geological history
An intrusive igneous rock crystallized slowly from silica-rich magma, commonly during Precambrian to Phanerozoic continental crust formation; surface weathering has rounded and stained this fragment.
Uses & applications
Used widely as dimension stone, countertops, paving, aggregate, monuments, and landscaping material; this small ordinary fragment has little commercial value.
Geological facts
Pink coloration usually reflects potassium feldspar, while pale gray grains are quartz and darker flecks may be biotite or amphibole. Iron oxides can produce the rusty orange-brown surface.
Field identification & locations
Common worldwide, especially in continental shields, mountain batholiths, and exposed plutons. Check for visible interlocking quartz and feldspar grains, scratch resistance, and lack of layering; a fresh broken surface would improve identification.
