igneous

Granite

Phaneritic high-silica plutonic rock (composed primarily of Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink, reddish-brown, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: Perfect on feldspar grains; Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Pink, reddish-brown, white, and black mottled
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 7, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface in continental crust environments. Because it cools slowly deep underground, it develops large, visible mineral grains. It can be from any geological age, often found in ancient Precambrian shields.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and memorial monuments. It is also crushed into aggregate for road construction and used by collectors for its variety of mineral inclusions.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Egyptian pyramids contain various forms of granite. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones used by humans.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for a 'salt and pepper' or mottled pink/gray appearance with large, interlocking crystals that are not arranged in layers (unfoliated). Common in mountain ranges and continental interiors. Tip for collectors: Look for high-quality pink potassium feldspar crystals for aesthetic specimens.

Other igneous specimens

See all

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

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral