igneous

Granite

Granite (Felsic intrusive igneous rock)

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, black); Luster: Phaneritic (crystalline, dull to vitreous minerals); Crystal structure: Coarse-grained granular; Specific gravity: 2.65 to 2.75

Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Salt-and-pepper (white, grey, black)
Luster: Phaneritic (crystalline, dull to vitreous minerals)

Identified April 12, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Primarily Precambrian to Cenozoic in age depending on location. Found in continental crust within plutons and batholiths.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as a dimension stone.

Geological facts

Granite makes up a large part of the Earth's continental crust. Unlike oceanic crust which is primarily basalt, granite is unique to Earth and is not common on other planets in our solar system.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its interlocking coarse crystals of quartz and feldspar; found in mountain ranges and eroded shield areas. Tip: look for the glassy, translucent quartz grains interspersed with opaque white/pink feldspar and black biotite.

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