igneous

Granite

Granite (Felsic Plutonic Rock)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct (fractures unevenly); Density: 2.63 to 2.75 g/cm³.

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled
Luster: Dull to vitreous

Identified March 28, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow subterranean cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma (felsic) within the Earth's crust. It can date from the Archean Eon to the Cenozoic Era, often forming the core of mountain ranges.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments. It is valued in industry as crushed stone for road base and concrete aggregate due to its durability.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continental crust. It makes up much of the foundation of the continents and famous landmarks like Yosemite's Half Dome and Mount Rushmore.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance (mixed light and dark crystals), visible grains (phaneritic texture), and extreme hardness. Commonly found in shield areas and mountain belts 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