igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Plutonic Felsic Rock

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper appearance with tan, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Salt-and-pepper appearance with tan, white, and black
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified February 22, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt-and-pepper appearance with tan, white, and black; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Formation & geological history

Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. This intrusive rock type is found in continental crust and dates from various geological eras, including the Precambrian.

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 makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. Famous peaks like Yosemite's Half Dome and Mount Rushmore are carved from massive granite batholiths.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its coarse, interlocking mineral grains that are visible to the naked eye. It will not scratch with a copper penny but will scratch glass. Commonly found in mountainous regions or where ancient tectonic plate collisions occurred.

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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