Pink Granite
Igneous Rock (composed primarily of Alkali Feldspar, Quartz, and Biotite) · Decorative Stone / Industrial Mineral / Rock Specimen
Crystal System
Multimineralic; individual crystals are Monoclinic (Feldspar), Trigonal (Quartz), and Monoclinic (Mica). Habit is Phaneritic (coarse-grained, interlocking).
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates and Phyllosilicates)
Chemical Formula
Complex mixture: KAlSi3O8 (Orthoclase), SiO2 (Quartz), K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(OH)2 (Biotite)
Formation Process
Igneous (Intrusive); formed by the slow cooling and crystallization of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface under high pressure.
About This Crystal
A coarse-grained phaneritic rock featuring salmon-pink interlocking grains of feldspar, translucent gray glassy quartz, and small black specks of mica or amphibole. Luster varies from vitreous on quartz to pearly on feldspar cleavages.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pink, gray, black mottled; Streak: White; Cleavage: Good in feldspar grains, none in quartz; Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75; Fluorescence: Occasionally weak orange under LWUV due to feldspar.
Optical Properties
Opaque in bulk, though individual quartz grains are translucent; individual minerals are mostly biaxial (feldspar/mica) or uniaxial (quartz); no play of color.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally in continental crust; notable pink varieties from Aswan (Egypt), Scotland, Texas (USA), and various Canadian Shields.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness 6 to 7 (6 for feldspar, 7 for quartz); high toughness and excellent durability; resistant to abrasion.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water; very stable; resistant to most household chemicals but can be etched by strong acids (hydrofluoric); do not store with softer gemstones that it might scratch.
Rarity & Value
Common; very abundant in the Earth's crust; value is based on aesthetic color patterns and size as a decorative or architectural material rather than gem rarity.
Special Characteristics
Phaneritic texture (visible crystals) showing a distinct 'salt and pepper' look with a pink base; often exhibits sparkly reflective cleavage planes in the feldspar grains.
Lore & History
Historically used by Ancient Egyptians for obelisks and sarcophagi due to its permanence; culturally symbolizes strength and grounding; in geological terms, it represents the foundational 'basement rock' of continents.