igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Gray, tan, and white mottled appearance. Luster: Dull to vitreous. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica). Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Gray, tan, and white mottled appearance
Luster: Dull to vitreous

Identified May 25, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). They are typically found in continental crustal plates and date back millions to billions of years through various orogenic events.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'salt and pepper' look and the presence of visible, interlocking mineral grains. Commonly found in mountainous regions or riverbeds as rounded cobbles like the specimen pictured.

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