igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: typically white, pink, or gray with mottled dark crystals; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Color: typically white, pink, or gray with mottled dark crystals
Luster: vitreous to dull

Identified March 4, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Most granite dates back to the Precambrian era, though it has formed throughout geological history in continental crustal settings.

Uses & applications

Widely used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone for road aggregate and railroad ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Famous natural landmarks like Yosemite's Half Dome and Mount Rushmore are carved from granite. 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 of quartz (clear/gray) and feldspar (white/pink). Found in mountainous regions and continental shields globally, such as the Appalachian Mountains or the Scottish Highlands.

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