igneous

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic Igneous Rock / Quartz, Feldspar, Mica)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled gray with tan/pink feldspar crystals and dark mica specks. Luster: Sub-vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained crystals visible to the naked eye). Cleavage: Distinct in feldspar grains, absent in quartz.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Sub-vitreous to pearly

Identified April 12, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma deep underground. This process allows large crystals to grow. Typical geological ages range from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and building veneers due to its durability. Also used for monuments, sculptures, and as crushed stone for road bases.

Geological facts

Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous monolithic granite formations. It is chemically resistant and exceptionally strong under compression.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and large, interlocking mineral grains. It will not react with acid (unlike limestone) and is hard enough to scratch glass. Found globally in mountain ranges and 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