igneous
Polished larvikite tower
Larvikite (feldspar-rich monzonite; chiefly alkali feldspar and plagioclase, with pyroxene and other minor minerals)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness about 6; gray to black with silvery-blue flashes and a polished luster. Coarse crystalline, massive texture; no prominent cleavage visible. The visible specimen appears carved and polished.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness about 6; gray to black with silvery-blue flashes and a polished luster. Coarse crystalline, massive texture; no prominent cleavage visible. The visible specimen appears carved and polished.
Formation & geological history
A deep-cooled intrusive igneous rock formed roughly 300 million years ago in the Oslo Rift, Norway. Its feldspar crystals develop characteristic light-reflecting effects during crystallization.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone, countertops, monuments, and carved collectibles; commonly sold as polished towers.
Geological facts
Often marketed as “blue pearl granite,” though it is technically larvikite rather than granite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the dark gray body and shifting silvery-blue feldspar flashes; major commercial sources are around Larvik, Norway. The photo supports a larvikite-like identification, but a definitive ID may require closer examination.
