English

English

繁體中文

日本語

Español

Français

Deutsch

Pусский

Português

Italiano

한국어

Nederlands

العربية

Home Application Download FAQ

English

English

繁體中文

日本語

Español

Français

Deutsch

Pусский

Português

Italiano

한국어

Nederlands

العربية

Home > Porphyry

Porphyry

Photo By James St. John

Porphyry

Porphyry

Porphyry

Porphyry

Porphyry

A species of Igneous, Also known as Chinese Writing Stone

Porphyry is less of a single rock and more of a category - it's used to refer to igneous rocks with large, distinguishable grains intermixed with many tiny grains. One porphyry variety found around the Mediterranean, sometimes called "Imperial Porphyry", is famous for its deep purple-red hue. This stone was used in everything from jewelry to statues to buildings across the ancient world - from Egypt to Crete to Rome to Byzantium.

Density:

2.65 - 2.75 g/cm³

General Info About Porphyry

Instantly Identify Rocks with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.

Download the App for Free

Physical Properties of Porphyry

Texture

Porphyritic

Colors

Purple, red, black, brown, grey, green, etc.

Magnetism

Potentially Magnetic

Grain Size

Fine to coarse grained

Density

2.65 - 2.75 g/cm³, Normal Weight

AI rock expert in your pocket

qrcode

Discover the Value of Porphyry

Discovering the Diverse Values of Rocks

Unveiling the Rarity, Aesthetics, and Economic Significance of Rocks

Download the App for Free

Rarity

Easy to obtain

Collection Recommendation

3.6 out of 5

Popularity

3.2

Aesthetic

3.7

Rarity

3.4

Sci-Cultural Value

4.2

The Market Price of Porphyry

Exploring the Market Prices for a Variety of Rocks

Delving into the market values and investment potential of a wide variety of rocks

Download the App for Free

Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)

$2 - $12

Close Hand (1.5-3in)

$12 - $20

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$20 - $40

Bigger Than Hand (>6in)

$40

Characteristics of Porphyry

Your Comprehensive Rock Characteristics Guide

In-depth exploration of rock types, features, and formation aspects

Download the App for Free

Formation of Porphyry

Porphyry deposits are formed when a column of rising magma is cooled in two stages. In the first stage, the magma is cooled slowly deep in the crust, creating the large crystal grains with a diameter of 2 mm or more. In the second and final stage, the magma is cooled rapidly at relatively shallow depth or as it erupts from a volcano, creating small grains that are usually invisible to the unaided eye.

Cultural Significance of Porphyry

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Rock Culture

Unveiling the mysteries of rock culture - exploring uses, history, and healing properties, etc

Download the App for Free

Uses of Porphyry

Porphyry is commonly quarried for its use in construction materials, including cobblestones used in buildings, gardens, fire pits, and sidewalks. The deep red-purple color of many varieties also makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes, including statues and monuments.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Rock Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant rock ID and answers on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.

Download the App for Free

What is porphyry used for?

Where does porphyry come from?

What is the difference between a porphyry and a granite?

Where is the best place to look for copper porphyry deposits?

Is porphyry volcanic or plutonic?

What does porphyry mean?

What is andesite porphyry?

More Rocks You Might Enjoy

Img topic

Topaz is a common household name and readily available in almost any jewelry store globally. It is a tough gem, ranking in the top-five hardest known to man. It is nearly chameleon in nature and can range from crisp and clear to murky purple and all colors in between!

Img topic

Black Moonstone

Black Moonstone is a moonstone with a dark grey body color, which is consisted of microcline or sometimes orthoclase. In most directions, it shows a deep gray or black color. But when you turn it in the right direction, you will find a milky or silvery adularescence glow below the surface of the stone.

Img topic

A soft, metamorphic rock that polishes well and comes in a tremendous suite of varieties and colors, this is perhaps one of the most famous decorative substances in the world. Fine marble has been used in many iconic carvings and structures, from Michelangelo’s David and the Taj Mahal to the US Lincoln Memorial. Expensive household goods, tiles, countertops, and flooring may also be made from marble.

Img topic

Botswana Agate is a beautiful and highly desired gemstone found in the Bobonong district of Botswana. It is distinguishable by its intricate swirls and bands in the shades of gray, brown, white, black, pink, and salmon red. Like all Agate gemstones, it has been used for jewelry and carved objects, such as talismans and amulets.

Img topic

Cat's-Eye Glass

The term cat's-Eye Glass is used to describe a cabochon gemstone that features an interesting optic phenomenon called "the chatoyant effect" or the "cat's eye effect". This effect is manifested in a narrow, sharp streak of light that goes across the center of the stone, resembling a cat's eye. Among numerous gemstones that reveal this effect, the most famous and with the finest quality is Cymophane, a variety of the mineral known as Chrysoberyl.

Img topic

When peridot is polished up and cut into attractive shapes, it is more readily known as peridot. Traces of it have also been found in meteorites and collected from space dust, making this mineral extraterrestrial as well! It is currently being researched for use in the medical field for transplants.

Img topic

Mahogany Obsidian

Mahogany Obsidian is one of the most common varieties of this naturally occurring volcanic glass, recognizable by the mixture of black and brown Obsidian. Thanks to its properties, it is easily polished and sold in the form of tumbled stones. It is also used for cabochons and various carved objects and tools, such as knife blades.

Img topic

Copper has a remarkable array of uses, from the construction of pipes to conducting electricity. The history of its usefulness in society dates back to the "New Stone Age," when humans made a slow transition from using stones to using metals. Copper is found and mined globally, with the largest mines currently in Chile.