igneous

Graphic Granite

Graphic Granite (variety of Pegmatite)

Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to cream host (K-feldspar) with grey to black quartz inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Intergrown monoclinic and trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions for feldspar.

Hardness: 6-6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified May 27, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow cooling of silica-rich magma in pegmatites. The quartz and feldspar crystallize simultaneously to create a unique interpenetrating texture. Most deposits are Precambrian or Paleozoic.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative stone, in lapidary work for cabochons and spheres, and as a collector's specimen. High-quality pieces are used in jewelry.

Geological facts

The name comes from the Greek word 'grapho' (to write) because the quartz patterns resemble ancient cuneiform or hieroglyphic writing. It is a classic textbook example of simultaneous crystallization.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by the 'writing' pattern of darker quartz embedded in a lighter feldspar matrix. Commonly found in pegmatite districts such as those in Maine, California, and South Dakota in the USA.

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

Dalmatian Jasper

Aplite with Arfvedsonite inclusions

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