igneous
Pegmatite
Igneous Pegmatite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness varies by mineral component (6-7 Mohs), coarse-grained texture, vitreous to pearly luster, variable color depending on constituent minerals like quartz, feldspar, and tourmaline.
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Physical properties
Hardness varies by mineral component (6-7 Mohs), coarse-grained texture, vitreous to pearly luster, variable color depending on constituent minerals like quartz, feldspar, and tourmaline.
Formation & geological history
Formed from water-rich magma cooling slowly deep within the Earth's crust, allowing exceptionally large crystals to grow.
Uses & applications
Source of rare-earth elements, lithium, gemstones, and industrial minerals like industrial feldspar and quartz.
Geological facts
Pegmatites can contain some of the largest known crystals on Earth, sometimes exceeding several meters in length.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified in the field by its interlocking, abnormally large crystal grains compared to surrounding standard granitic rocks.
