igneous

Granite

Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Pink, gray, white, or red with dark mineral specks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with interlocking crystals; Cleavage: None (though individual minerals within it like feldspar have cleavage); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Pink, gray, white, or red with dark mineral specks
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified May 24, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock that forms deep within the crust over millions of years, often found in the cores of mountain ranges.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction, flooring, kitchen countertops, monuments, curbing, and as crushed stone for road base. Also popular for decorative sculptures and gravestones due to its durability.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. The term 'Granite' comes from the Latin word 'granum,' meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its coarse-grained texture where individual crystals of quartz (glassy), feldspar (opaque/pink/white), and mica (shiny flakes) are visible to the naked eye. It is found globally in continental crust.

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