igneous

Grey Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Intrusive Igneous Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, and black); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Dependent on internal minerals (feldspar has 2 planes); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, and black)
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified April 12, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma below the Earth's surface (plutonic). Found in continental crust, often appearing in mountain ranges after uplift and erosion. Ages can range from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. The iconic peaks of Yosemite National Park are made of granite plutons. It is extremely heat resistant and one of the hardest natural stones used in architecture.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture where minerals are large enough to see with the naked eye. To identify in the field, look for visible crystals of quartz (glassy), feldspar (opaque white/pink), and mica (shiny black flakes).

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

Blue Apatite

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

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral