Granite
Granite is igneous (intrusive, felsic). In the hand, it rates 6 to 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale, and it runs speckled pink-gray and white-black. Speckled coarse rock of interlocking visible crystals, glassy gray quartz, blocky pink-white feldspar, and dark mica. Continental crust worldwide, the foundation rock of the continents.
The geology.
Granite carries the formula . It belongs to the, system. Its listing category is igneous (intrusive, felsic).
It sits at 6 to 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to dull. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.6 to 2.7. The streak is,. It breaks with uneven granular fracture.
Speckled coarse rock of interlocking visible crystals, glassy gray quartz, blocky pink-white feldspar, and dark mica.
It turns up mostly as tumbled, spheres, decor objects or K2 (azurite granite).
The origins.
Continental crust worldwide, the foundation rock of the continents.
On value, the database notes: common and very affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with stability and protection.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Speckled coarse rock of interlocking visible crystals, glassy gray quartz, blocky pink-white feldspar, and dark mica.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Gneiss | Gneiss is banded; granite is randomly speckled |
| Dalmatian stone | Dalmatian is cream with discrete black spots, not interlocking grains |
| Man-made composite counters | Engineered stone has uniform pattern and resin shine |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about granite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Three distinct minerals visible to the eye |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass (quartz content) |
| Acid check | No fizz |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with uneven granular fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is . Crystal system:,. Specific gravity: 2.6 to 2.7. Streak:,. Cleavage and fracture: Uneven granular fracture.
How it reaches the market
Continental crust worldwide, the foundation rock of the continents.
What it gets confused with
Gneiss: Gneiss is banded; granite is randomly speckled. Dalmatian stone: Dalmatian is cream with discrete black spots, not interlocking grains. Man-made composite counters: Engineered stone has uniform pattern and resin shine.
What it is worth
Common and very affordable.
One more thing
Every granite contains tiny zircon timekeepers, crystals geologists use to date the rock to the million year.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry granite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
Explore the Crystal Guide