igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, white, grey, and black; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Various depending on mineral component (e.g., feldspar has two directions at 90 degrees); Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink, white, grey, and black
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified May 23, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Most granite dates back to the Precambrian or Paleozoic eras, found in continental crust particularly in mountain belts.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents and makes up the bulk of the continental crust. The word comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by look for a phaneritic texture where individual mineral grains (quartz, feldspar, mica) are visible to the naked eye. It contains at least 20% quartz by volume. Found in batholiths and mountain ranges globally.

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