igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Intrusive Igneous Rock (composed of Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Perfect on feldspar grains, none on quartz grains; Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled
Luster: Dull to vitreous

Identified March 17, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface (plutonic). Because it cools slowly, crystals are large and visible to the naked eye. Geological age varies from Precambrian to Cenozoic depending on the specific batholith.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments. It is favored for its durability and resistance to weathering.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous granite monoliths in the world. It is one of the hardest natural stones available for commercial use.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for a 'salt and pepper' appearance with interlocking crystals of quartz (glassy), feldspar (opaque white/pink), and mica (shiny black flakes). It is found globally in mountain ranges and ancient shield areas like the Canadian Shield. Collectors look for large inclusions or rare accessory minerals like tourmaline or beryl.

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