igneous

Granite

Granite (Mainly Quartz, Feldspar, and Mica/Amphibole)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-red, white, and black mottled; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarsegrained) granular; Cleavage: None (though feldspars show cleavage planes); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75

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

Identified May 9, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive). Most granites date back to various Precambrian eras but can occur in any era of crustal thickening.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, and monuments due to its durability and resistance to weathering.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large part of the continental crust. It is one of the hardest natural stones in the world and has been used by humans since Ancient Egypt for massive monuments like the pyramids.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'salt and pepper' or multicomponent mineral grains. Look for translucent quartz, opaque feldspar (pink/white), and dark specks of mica or hornblende. Often found in mountainous regions or as river-worn pebbles.

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