igneous

Granite (Dioritic variant)

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (primarily Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (white/grey with black specks); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Clearing: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Salt and pepper (white/grey with black specks)
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 22, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (white/grey with black specks); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Clearing: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma deep beneath the Earth's surface (plutonic). Found in continental crust ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and resistance to weathering.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Famous natural formations like Yosemite's Half Dome and Mount Rushmore are composed of granite. It is one of the hardest natural stones on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture where minerals are large enough to see with the naked eye. Commonly found in mountain ranges and batholiths worldwide. Collectors look for unique mineral banding or inclusions.

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