igneous

Granite

Phaneritic plutonic felsic rock (Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-white, gray, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Phaneritic (visible coarse-grained crystals); Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly); Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pinkish-white, gray, and black mottled
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 28, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface (intrusive). Geological age varies from Archean to Cenozoic depending on the specific mountain range or shield where it is sourced.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous giant granite monoliths.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and large visible interlocking crystals. It will scratch glass and does not react with acid. Commonly found in mountainous regions or ancient continental 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

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Blue Apatite

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

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral