igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, white, gray, and black speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Dependent on individual mineral components; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink, white, gray, and black speckles
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 26, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). The cooling process can take millions of years, leading to large, visible crystals. It can be found in continental crust of all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction (countertops, floor tiles, paving stones), dimension stone for monuments/statues, and as crushed stone for road base or railway ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Famous peaks like Yosemite's El Capitan and Mount Rushmore are carved into granite batholiths.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is found in mountain ranges and ancient continental shields. For collectors, look for specimens with unusually large crystals (pegmatites) or rare accessory minerals.

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