igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock (composed of SiO2, KAlSi3O8, NaAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Light gray with salt-and-pepper texture; Luster: Dull/Granular with reflective mineral flecks; Crystal Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Light gray with salt-and-pepper texture
Luster: Dull/Granular with reflective mineral flecks

Identified April 9, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface (intrusive). They take millions of years to cool, allowing for large crystal growth. Found in continental crust, often appearing in mountains through erosion.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction (countertops, flooring, monuments, paving), crushed stone for roads, and as a durable outdoor landscaping material.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on the planet's surface and makes up a massive part of the continental crust. It is incredibly resistant to weathering and pressure.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking 'mosaic' of visible crystals, primarily light-colored quartz and feldspar with dark mica or hornblende. Commonly found in mountain ranges or as glacial erratics in riverbeds.

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