The identification of phaneritic-textured igneous rocks involves a second step, determining the mineralogy. To help you with the process review the discussion of Igneous Minerals. The table below lists the minerals you may find in each of the common phaneritic igneous rocks. The key or important minerals for identification purposes are in BOLD and ALL CAPS. Some rocks will not have all of the minerals listed, but all should have at least one of the important or diagnostic minerals. If your sample does not appear to have a phaneritic texture or any of the minerals below. Go Back to the previous step.
| COLOR | BULK COMPOSITION | MINERALOGY | |
| Light colored, pink or white | Felsic | QUARTZ, POTASSIUM FELDSPAR plagioclase, biotite, muscovite, amphibole | (CLICK HERE) |
| Intermediate color, dark pink or gray | Intermediate | AMPHIBOLE, plagioclase | (CLICK HERE) |
| Dark color, dark gray or black | Mafic | PYROXENE, plagioclase, olivine | (CLICK HERE) |
| Light green color | Ultramafic | OLIVINE, pyroxene | (CLICK HERE) |
| BACK TO STEP 1|
| IGNEOUS ROCK TEXTURES | MINERALS OF IGNEOUS ROCKS | IGNEOUS ROCK CLASSIFICATION |