igneous
Weathered granite pebble
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and minor dark minerals
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTan to brown, rough and granular with visible mineral grains; minerals are generally Mohs 6–7 (quartz 7, feldspar about 6), with vitreous quartz and dull or earthy weathered surfaces. Granite has interlocking crystals and no cleavage as a whole;…
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Physical properties
Tan to brown, rough and granular with visible mineral grains; minerals are generally Mohs 6–7 (quartz 7, feldspar about 6), with vitreous quartz and dull or earthy weathered surfaces. Granite has interlocking crystals and no cleavage as a whole; specimen-specific density and exact composition cannot be determined from the image.
Formation & geological history
Formed by slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep in the crust; its age depends on source geology and cannot be established visually. Weathering and transport rounded the pebble.
Uses & applications
Granite is used as building and paving stone, countertops, aggregate, and landscaping material; this small pebble is mainly a modest collecting specimen.
Geological facts
The mottled appearance comes from contrasting light quartz and feldspar grains with darker accessory minerals. Weathering can stain exposed feldspar and rock surfaces brown.
Field identification & locations
Look for an interlocking mix of light and dark grains and test hardness on a fresh surface; a rounded shape suggests water or abrasion during transport. Granite occurs widely in continental crust and stream or beach gravels.
