igneous
Weathered granite or granitic rock fragment
Granite; primarily quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and mica/amphibole
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall, irregular, gray-brown fragment with a dull to slightly granular luster and visibly coarse crystalline texture. Typical granite hardness is about 6–7 Mohs, with no prominent cleavage as a whole and density near 2.6–2.7 g/cm³.
Identified More igneous →
Explore Weathered granite or granitic rock fragment in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Small, irregular, gray-brown fragment with a dull to slightly granular luster and visibly coarse crystalline texture. Typical granite hardness is about 6–7 Mohs, with no prominent cleavage as a whole and density near 2.6–2.7 g/cm³.
Formation & geological history
Granite forms when silica-rich magma cools slowly deep within continental crust, allowing large crystals to develop; individual specimens may range from Precambrian to much younger ages. Surface weathering can produce the brown coating seen here.
Uses & applications
Granite is widely used as dimension stone, countertops, monuments, aggregate, and decorative material; this tiny fragment has negligible practical or jewelry value.
Geological facts
The image is insufficient for precise identification, and the fragment could also be weathered gneiss or another feldspar-rich rock. A fresh broken surface, hand lens, and hardness testing would improve certainty.
Field identification & locations
Look for interlocking quartz and feldspar grains, often with black or silvery mica; granite commonly occurs in large plutons and exposed mountain cores worldwide. Value is generally $0–$2 for an ordinary fragment, or $5–$20 if locality-labeled or unusually attractive.
