igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink, white, and grey speckled; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Cleavage: None (fractures); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pink, white, and grey speckled
Luster: Dull to vitreous

Identified April 11, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). The pink color indicates a high concentration of potassium feldspar. Granite is found in continental crust and can range from billions of years old to relatively recent geological periods.

Uses & applications

Used widely in construction (countertops, flooring), dimension stone for monuments, and as crushed stone for road aggregate and railroad ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. It is extremely durable and resistant to weathering, which is why it is used for major monuments like Mount Rushmore.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' or speckled appearance with visible crystals. Commonly found in mountain ranges and glacial deposits. For collectors, look for high quartz and feldspar content.

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