igneous
Weathered granite
Granite; quartz–feldspar–mica plutonic rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectCoarse, granular, pale cream to tan rock with visible quartz and feldspar and minor dark mica or amphibole; vitreous to dull luster, no cleavage as a rock, and typical Mohs hardness about 6–7. Specific gravity is approximately 2.63–2.75.
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Physical properties
Coarse, granular, pale cream to tan rock with visible quartz and feldspar and minor dark mica or amphibole; vitreous to dull luster, no cleavage as a rock, and typical Mohs hardness about 6–7. Specific gravity is approximately 2.63–2.75.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly deep within continental crust, allowing large crystals to grow; commonly Precambrian to Phanerozoic in age. The rounded, stained surface indicates weathering and abrasion.
Uses & applications
Widely used as crushed stone, building blocks, countertops, monuments, paving, and aggregate; ordinary hand specimens have little commercial value.
Geological facts
Granite’s interlocking crystals give it excellent durability. The pale minerals are chiefly quartz and potassium/plagioclase feldspar, while darker grains are usually biotite or hornblende.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its speckled coarse texture, quartz’s glassy gray grains, feldspar’s blocky white or pink grains, and lack of layering or foliation; common in continental mountain belts and glacial deposits. A hand lens and hardness test help distinguish it from finer-grained rocks.
