igneous

Granite

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, red, gray, or white with dark specks; Luster: Phaneritic (visible crystals), vitreous to dull; Structure: Massive, granular; Cleavage: None (individual minerals have cleavage); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Pink, red, gray, or white with dark specks
Luster: Phaneritic (visible crystals), vitreous to dull

Identified June 2, 2026More igneous →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive). Common in continental crust and mountain ranges, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. The iconic peaks of Yosemite National Park and the faces on Mount Rushmore are carved into granite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/gray), feldspar (pink/white), and mica (black/shiny). Common in glacial till or mountainous outcrops.

Other igneous specimens

See all

Granite

Igneous

Granite

Igneous

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dalmatian Jasper

Aplite with Arfvedsonite inclusions

igneous

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

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral