igneous

Granite

Phaneritic plutonic rock (primarily Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Salt and pepper (gray, white, black); Luster: Dulled to vitreous; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible interlocking crystals); Cleavage: None (though constituent minerals have it); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Salt and pepper (gray, white, black)
Luster: Dulled to vitreous

Identified April 10, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface (intrusive). Most granite dates from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras and is found in the continental crust, particularly in mountain belts.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common rock in the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous granite monoliths. It is one of the hardest substances in the world second only to diamonds.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and interlocking visible crystals that are not layered. Common in mountainous regions or where glacial drift has deposited rocks. For collectors, look for unique mineral inclusions like large pink orthoclase or shiny biotite crystals.

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