igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Igneous Rock (composed primarily of Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled white, pink, and grey. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Granular/Phaneritic (visible crystals). Cleavage: Varies by mineral component. Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.

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

Identified June 2, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is a plutonic rock that forms deep underground over millions of years, often found in continental crust and mountain ranges.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, and monuments. Also used as crushed stone for road base and railroad ballast.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones, which is why it has been used since ancient Egypt for building obelisks and pyramids.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of different colors. It is commonly found in large batholiths or as outcrops in mountainous regions. Collectors look for large, well-defined crystals of specific minerals like pink orthoclase.

Other igneous specimens

See all

Granite

Igneous

Granite

Igneous

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dalmatian Jasper

Aplite with Arfvedsonite inclusions

igneous

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