Granulite
A variety of Metamorphic
What is Granulite?
Granulite is a common metamorphic rock, formed at very high temperatures, that is primarily composed of quartz and feldspar and often contains many tiny (non-gem-quality) garnets. Variable in color and pattern, often displaying some banding, and taking a polish well, granulite is used decoratively for countertops or flooring.
Uses & Applications
Granulite is a popular choice for construction materials, as well as statues, monuments, and other artifacts. However, it may also been seen in work surfaces, such as laboratory bench tops due to its durable and chemically resistant nature. When ground, granulite is also used as an addition to soil to promote plant growth.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Granulite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Granulite Localities Map
See where Granulite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Granulite
Granulite form at crustal depths, typically during regional metamorphism at high thermal gradients of greater than 30 ℃/km. In continental crustal rocks, biotite may break down at high temperatures to form orthopyroxene + potassium feldspar + water, producing a granulite. Other possible minerals formed at dehydration melting conditions include sapphirine, spinel, sillimanite, and osumilite. Some assemblages such as sapphirine + quartz indicate very high temperatures of greater than 900 ℃.
Composition of Granulite
They are medium to coarse–grained and mainly composed of feldspars sometimes associated with quartz and anhydrous ferromagnesian minerals, with granoblastic texture and gneissose to massive structure.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Brown, green, gray, red, black, etc.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6 - 7
- Density
- 2.6 - 3.3 g/cm³
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Granulite FAQs
How do I identify Granulite?
Granulite can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Granulite?
Granulite typically appears in Brown, green, gray, red, black, etc.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Granulite?
Granulite has a hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of granulite of Granulite?
Granulite form at crustal depths, typically during regional metamorphism at high thermal gradients of greater than 30 ℃/km. In continental crustal rocks, biotite may break down at high temperatures to form orthopyroxene + potassium feldspar + water, producing a granulite. Other possible minerals formed at dehydration melting conditions include sapphirine, spinel, sillimanite, and osumilite. Some assemblages such as sapphirine + quartz indicate very high temperatures of greater than 900 ℃.
What is the composition of granulite of Granulite?
They are medium to coarse–grained and mainly composed of feldspars sometimes associated with quartz and anhydrous ferromagnesian minerals, with granoblastic texture and gneissose to massive structure.
