igneous
Polished orbicular granite (likely leopard-skin granite)
Orbicular granite; quartz + feldspar + biotite/amphibole, with mafic orbicules
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6–7 Mohs; salmon-pink and gray-black mottled orbicules, vitreous to silky polish, interlocking crystalline texture, poor cleavage as a whole, and specific gravity roughly 2.6–2.8.
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Physical properties
Hardness about 6–7 Mohs; salmon-pink and gray-black mottled orbicules, vitreous to silky polish, interlocking crystalline texture, poor cleavage as a whole, and specific gravity roughly 2.6–2.8.
Formation & geological history
A coarse intrusive igneous rock crystallized slowly from magma, with distinctive concentric mafic orbicules forming during complex magma mixing; typically Precambrian to Paleozoic in age, depending on locality.
Uses & applications
Used for polished cabochons, ornaments, paperweights, and decorative stone; attractive pieces have modest lapidary and collector value.
Geological facts
The circular dark patches are mineral-rich orbicules rather than fossils. “Leopard-skin granite” is a trade name applied to several visually similar orbicular granites.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its pink feldspar-rich groundmass and rounded black-gray mineral clusters; distinguish it from orbicular jasper, which is usually finer-grained and lacks obvious crystalline texture. Notable material occurs in Finland, Madagascar, Australia, and Mexico.
