igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Felsic Igneous Rock

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, gray, or white base with black/dark specks; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Phaneritic (visible crystals); Cleavage: None (fractures irregularly); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pink, gray, or white base with black/dark specks
Luster: Dull to vitreous

Identified April 10, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (plutonic). It is found in continental crust and often dates back hundreds of millions to billions of years, formed at great depths under high pressure.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large part of the continental crust. The name comes from the Latin 'granum', meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'salt and pepper' appearance and visible interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is extremely common in mountainous regions or areas with exposed shield rock.

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