igneous

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic igneous rock consisting of Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper appearance (grey, white, pink, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Salt and pepper appearance (grey, white, pink, black)
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified April 9, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface in continental crust plutons. It can date back to billions of years (Archean Eon) to more recent eras.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, monuments, and as a dimension stone for architectural cladding.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' grains of white/clear quartz, opaque pink or white feldspar, and black biotite or hornblende. Commonly found in mountain ranges and eroded crystalline shields.

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