igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (composed primarily of Quartz and Alkali Feldspar)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pinkish-red due to K-feldspar, with white, gray, and black speckles; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified April 7, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Most granite is associated with continental crust formation across various geological eons, often found in mountain belts.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone/aggregate for road base and railroad ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up the majority of Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous granite monoliths in the world.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' look and interlocked visible crystals. It is extremely hard and cannot be scratched by a steel knife. Found in plutons, batholiths, and exposed mountain ranges.

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