igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Plutonic Felsic Rock (KAlSi3O8 + SiO2 + NaAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: White and grey with dark specks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse); Cleavage: Distinct in feldspar grains; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: White and grey with dark specks
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified May 29, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: White and grey with dark specks; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse); Cleavage: Distinct in feldspar grains; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma deep underground. Most granites date from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras, found in continental crustal shields.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents and makes up the bulk of the continental crust. Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the world's most famous granite monoliths.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' crystalline texture where minerals are large enough to see with the naked eye. Found globally in mountainous regions and exposed shields like the Canadian Shield.

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

Dalmatian Jasper

Aplite with Arfvedsonite inclusions

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