igneous

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic Quartz-Feldspar Rock)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically mottled grey, white, pink, and black; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: phaneritic (coarse-grained visible crystals); Cleavage: none (fractures); Specific Gravity: 2.63 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: typically mottled grey, white, pink, and black
Luster: vitreous to dull

Identified April 7, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. It is an intrusive igneous rock found in continental crust, often part of ancient cratons dating back billions of years.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road base.

Geological facts

Granite is one of the hardest and most durable rocks on Earth. It makes up much of the continental crust and forms the core of many major mountain ranges. The name comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its interlocking, coarse grains of quartz (glassy), feldspar (opaque white/pink), and mica (shiny flakes). It is extremely common in mountain belts and shield regions like the Canadian Shield or the Appalachians.

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