igneous

Granite

Granite (phaneritic felsic intrusive rock)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically mottled pink, white, gray, and black; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: phaneritic (large visible crystals), mainly composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase; Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: typically mottled pink, white, gray, and black
Luster: vitreous to pearly

Identified April 12, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is an intrusive (plutonic) rock that typically forms at great depths within the crust over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Major construction material for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone for road base and railroad ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a famous granite monolith. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals/grains. Look for the presence of clear-to-gray quartz and blocky feldspar crystals. It is found in mountain ranges and ancient continental shields worldwide.

Other igneous specimens

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Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous