igneous

Granite

Granite (phaneritic intrusive igneous rock consisting of quartz, feldspar, and mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, salt-and-pepper, or pinkish tones. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals). Cleavage: Varies by mineral constituent; specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Gray, salt-and-pepper, or pinkish tones
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 11, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock that forms over millions of years, often dating back to the Precambrian era through the Phanerozoic.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction, countertops, monuments, paving stones, and as aggregate. It is also a popular specimen for educational geology kits.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Iconic natural landmarks like Yosemite's Half Dome and Mount Rushmore are made of granite.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/gray) and feldspar (white/pink). Commonly found in mountain ranges and continental shields. Collectors look for unique color variations or large phenocrysts.

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

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral