Charnockite is a variety of orthopyroxene-bearing granite that is typically associated with high-grade metamorphic terrains. It is easily identified by its characteristic greenish-gray to brownish hue, often displaying a greasy luster due to the presence of hypersthene. It is historically significant in petrology and widely quarried for use as a high-durability building stone.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Opaque

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Charnockite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque

Is this charnockite?

4-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch charnockite with a known reference. Charnockite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Charnockite typically shows a vitreous luster.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, greenish, brown.
4
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Charnockite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside charnockite

Minerals reported to co-occur with charnockite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 2.6-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Greenish Brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Building Stone, Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Complexes
Typical price: $10-50 slabs, $20-100 specimen

Where rockhounds find charnockite

Classic worldwide localities

India
Antarctica
Norway
Sri Lanka
Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic complexes country, the host setting where charnockite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, orthoclase, hypersthene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

More charnockite photos

Common questions

How do you identify charnockite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. Common colors include gray, greenish, brown.

Where is charnockite found?+

Notable localities include India; Antarctica; Norway; Sri Lanka; Canada.

How much is charnockite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 slabs, $20-100 specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like charnockite?+

Charnockite is most often confused with Granite, Gneiss. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with charnockite?+

Charnockite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Orthoclase, Hypersthene, Garnet, Biotite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does charnockite form in?+

Charnockite typically forms in metamorphic complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is charnockite used for?+

Charnockite is used in decorative, building stone, collector.

Find charnockite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.