# Rock identification guides

Canonical page: https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026
Page purpose: Directory of original, field-first LithoMap rock identification guides.

The library emphasizes converging evidence rather than color alone. Each isolated page covers classification, appearance, formation, practical tests, common lookalikes, occurrence, uses, safety, authoritative sources, and the limits of hand-sample identification.

## Guides

- Granite — Intrusive igneous rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/granite
- Basalt — Extrusive igneous rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/basalt
- Rhyolite — Felsic extrusive igneous rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/rhyolite
- Obsidian — Volcanic glass — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/obsidian
- Pumice — Highly vesicular volcanic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/pumice
- Sandstone — Clastic sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/sandstone
- Limestone — Carbonate sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/limestone
- Shale — Fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/shale
- Conglomerate — Coarse clastic sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/conglomerate
- Marble — Nonfoliated metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/marble
- Slate — Fine-grained foliated metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/slate
- Quartzite — Nonfoliated metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/quartzite
- Gneiss — Coarse-grained foliated metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/gneiss
- Schist — Medium- to coarse-grained foliated metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/schist
- Diorite — Intermediate intrusive igneous rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/diorite
- Gabbro — Mafic intrusive igneous rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/gabbro
- Andesite — Intermediate extrusive igneous rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/andesite
- Breccia — Coarse fragmental rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/breccia
- Chert — Microcrystalline silica rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/chert
- Dolostone — Dolomite-rich sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/dolostone
- Siltstone — Fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/siltstone
- Mudstone — Fine-grained clastic sedimentary rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/mudstone
- Phyllite — Fine-grained foliated metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/phyllite
- Amphibolite — Amphibole-rich metamorphic rock — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/amphibolite

## Side-by-side lookalike comparisons

- Granite vs. gneiss — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/granite-vs-gneiss
- Limestone vs. marble — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/limestone-vs-marble
- Sandstone vs. quartzite — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/sandstone-vs-quartzite
- Shale vs. slate — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/shale-vs-slate
- Granite vs. diorite — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/granite-vs-diorite
- Basalt vs. gabbro — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/basalt-vs-gabbro
- Andesite vs. basalt — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/andesite-vs-basalt
- Breccia vs. conglomerate — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/breccia-vs-conglomerate
- Chert vs. quartzite — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/chert-vs-quartzite
- Limestone vs. dolostone — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/limestone-vs-dolostone
- Siltstone vs. sandstone — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/siltstone-vs-sandstone
- Mudstone vs. shale — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/mudstone-vs-shale
- Slate vs. phyllite — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/slate-vs-phyllite
- Amphibolite vs. gabbro — https://lithomap.app/resources/rock-identification/compare/amphibolite-vs-gabbro

Identification does not establish specimen value, origin, legal access, ownership, or collecting permission. Weathered, altered, fine-grained, and mixed samples may require laboratory analysis.