igneous

Granite

Phaneritic plutonic rock (primarily Quartz, Alkali Feldspar, and Plagioclase)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs scale; Color: Pink, gray, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained coarse crystalline); Cleavage: Transition dependent on individual minerals; Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

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

Identified March 25, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). They are primarily found in continental crust and date back to nearly all geological eras, peaking during orogenic (mountain-building) events.

Uses & applications

Major use in construction for countertops, flooring, and curbing; used in monuments and sculptures due to durability; and architectural veneers.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith. It is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz (clear/gray), feldspar (pink/white), and mica (black/shiny). Common in continental mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada or the Appalachians.

Other igneous specimens

See all

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