igneous

Granite

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs; Color: Salt and pepper (pink, white, grey, black); Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained, visible crystals); Cleavage: None (though minerals within it like mica or feldspar have cleavage); Specific gravity: 2.63-2.75

Hardness: 6-7 Mohs
Color: Salt and pepper (pink, white, grey, black)
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified May 4, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface (intrusive plutonic rock). Granite can be hundreds of millions to billions of years old, often forming the core of mountain ranges.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, and monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large portion of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a massive granite batholith in South Dakota.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking granular texture where individual mineral grains (speckles) are clearly visible to the naked eye. Commonly found in mountainous regions or areas where ancient bedrock has been exposed by erosion. It is one of the most common rocks on the planet.

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