Granitic pegmatite is an igneous rock characterized by extremely large, coarse crystals, often several centimeters or even meters in size. Collectors value these formations because they act as pockets for rare and gem-quality minerals such as tourmaline, beryl, and lepidolite.
Hardness
6-7
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Opaque
Is this granitic pegmatite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch granitic pegmatite with a known reference. Granitic Pegmatite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the textureLook at a fresh break with a hand lens. Texture: Very coarse, with interlocking crystals usually over 1 cm. Grain size: Very coarse.
- 3Pick out the mineralsComposition: Mostly quartz, feldspar and mica; may hold large crystals of microcline, spodumene, beryl or tourmaline. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
- 4Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 5Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pink, gray, tan.
Often found alongside granitic pegmatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with granitic pegmatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Source of rare minerals
- Host rock
- igneous plutons
- Texture
- Very coarse, with interlocking crystals usually over 1 cm
- Grain size
- Very coarse
- Composition
- Mostly quartz, feldspar and mica; may hold large crystals of microcline, spodumene, beryl or tourmaline
Where rockhounds find granitic pegmatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Maine, USA
- Madagascar
- Pakistan
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: igneous plutons. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
How do you identify granitic pegmatite?+
Mohs hardness is 6-7. Texture: Very coarse, with interlocking crystals usually over 1 cm. Composition: Mostly quartz, feldspar and mica; may hold large crystals of microcline, spodumene, beryl or tourmaline. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include white, pink, gray, tan.
Where is granitic pegmatite found?+
Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; Maine, USA; Madagascar; Pakistan; Norway.
What minerals are found with granitic pegmatite?+
Granitic Pegmatite commonly co-occurs with quartz, feldspar, mica, tourmaline, beryl, spodumene. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does granitic pegmatite form in?+
Where it forms: igneous plutons. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is granitic pegmatite used for?+
Granitic Pegmatite is used in collector, source of rare minerals.
Find granitic pegmatite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
