igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (primarily Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: speckled salt-and-pepper (white, pink, gray, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: speckled salt-and-pepper (white, pink, gray, black)
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 23, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: speckled salt-and-pepper (white, pink, gray, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). They can be found in continental crust across all geological ages, primarily within mountain belts and cratons.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone in road beds and building foundations.

Geological facts

Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world, second only to diamonds. Famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the base of the Statue of Liberty are made from varieties of granite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking visible crystals and granular texture. It is a 'continental' rock found in abundance in shield areas like the Appalachians, Rockies, or the Canadian Shield. For collectors, look for high variations in mica (sparkle) or pink potassium feldspar.

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

Blue Apatite

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

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral