igneous

Granite

Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock (composition: Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Mottled white, pink, grey, and black; Luster: Dull to pearly; Structure: Phaneritic (large, visible crystals); Cleavage: Predominantly feldspar cleavage planes; Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Mottled white, pink, grey, and black
Luster: Dull to pearly

Identified March 27, 2026More igneous →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep underground (plutonic). Most terrestrial granite formed during the Precambrian and Paleozoic eras in continental crust environments.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Geological facts

Granite makes up the majority of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith in South Dakota.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its speckled 'salt and pepper' appearance and hardness. It is commonly found in mountain ranges and ancient shield areas like the Canadian Shield. Collectors look for large crystals or unique color variations.

Other igneous specimens

See all

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