Igneous Rocks · common
Aplite
Aplite is a light-colored, fine-grained granitic igneous rock. It often appears white, pink, cream, or light gray and may occur as narrow dikes or veins.
Also known as: Aplitic granite, Fine-grained granitic dike.
Aplite properties at a glance
| Type | Igneous Rocks |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Fine-grained granitic rock |
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Luster | dull |
| Streak | White to pale pink |
| Cleavage | Variable by quartz and feldspar grains |
| Fracture | Granular to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | White, Pink, Cream, Light gray, Tan |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Forms when silica-rich residual magma crystallizes quickly in small dikes or veins, producing a fine, even-grained granitic texture.
Aplite helps geologists recognize late-stage granitic melts and small intrusive dikes.
How to identify Aplite
- Look for a light-colored, sugary, fine-grained granitic texture.
- Aplite is usually finer and more uniform than pegmatite.
- It commonly appears as veins or dikes associated with granite.
- Visible quartz and feldspar support the identification.
Full Aplite identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Aplite vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Aplite.
Where Aplite is found
Reported from multiple igneous terrains worldwide; verify locality against specimen provenance when available.
How much is Aplite worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $10 |
| Premium specimen | $75+ |
Aplite is usually valued for teaching, field context, locality, texture, color, mineral content, or unusually attractive specimens rather than high gem value.
Common uses
- Field identification
- Education
- Granitic intrusion study
- Collector specimens
Interesting facts
- Aplite is usually finer grained and more even textured than pegmatite.
- It commonly occurs as dikes cutting larger granitic rocks.
- Quartz and feldspar are the main visible ingredients.
Care & safety
Aplite can vary in toughness, porosity, vesicles, glass content, and weathering depending on cooling history and mineral mix.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown igneous rocks without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Aplite FAQ
What is Aplite?
Aplite is a light-colored, fine-grained granitic igneous rock. It often appears white, pink, cream, or light gray and may occur as narrow dikes or veins.
How much is Aplite worth?
Entry-level Aplite specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $10, and premium pieces for $75 or more. Aplite is usually valued for teaching, field context, locality, texture, color, mineral content, or unusually attractive specimens rather than high gem value.
How hard is Aplite?
Aplite has a Mohs hardness of 6. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
What is Aplite used for?
Aplite is used for field identification, education, granitic intrusion study, and collector specimens.
