igneous

Granite

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

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically mottled grey, white, pink, and black; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: phaneritic (large, visible interlocking crystals); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: typically mottled grey, white, pink, and black
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 beneath Earth's surface (intrusive). Geological age spans from the Archean to the Cenozoic, commonly found in continental crust and mountain ranges.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction as dimension stone, countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and memorial monuments. Also used as crushed stone for road base and railroad ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up the bulk of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Everest's summit consists of limestone, but its base is largely granitic plutons. It is incredibly durable, lasting for thousands of years as seen in Ancient Egyptian monuments.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible, interlocking crystals of quartz (translucent) and feldspar (opaque). Common in mountain belts and shield areas. For collectors, seek out specimens with large orthoclase crystals or rare inclusions.

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