igneous

Granite

Phaneritic Intrusive Igneous Rock (Granite)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mottled pink, white, gray, and black. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained) with interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Cleavage: Indistinct in the rock but present in individual mineral grains. Specific gravity: 2.63 to 2.75.

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Mottled pink, white, gray, and black
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 16, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma deep underground. Typical geological ages range from the Archean Eon to the Cenozoic, depending on the specific location. It is found in continental crust and mountain belts (plutons).

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, and paving stones. Large blocks are used for monuments, bridges, and building facades. It is also crushed into aggregate for road building and concrete.

Geological facts

Granite is the most common igneous rock found on Earth's continents. It makes up the core of most major mountain ranges. The famous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a massive granite monolith.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its interlocking, visible crystals and overall speckled appearance. It will not scratch with a copper penny or steel blade easily. Commonly found in mountainous regions or areas with exposed continental shields (e.g., Canada, Scandinavia, parts of the US).

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

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral