Graphic granite is an igneous rock characterized by a distinctive intergrowth of quartz and alkali feldspar that resembles cuneiform writing or ancient script. These patterns are created by the simultaneous crystallization of the two minerals in a pegmatitic environment. It is highly prized by lapidary enthusiasts for its unique aesthetic, especially when cut and polished into cabochons or decorative items.
Is this graphic granite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch graphic granite with a known reference. Graphic Granite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the textureLook at a fresh break with a hand lens. Texture: Graphic texture: quartz in alkali feldspar forming a repeating pattern like cuneiform writing. Grain size: Large single crystals of quartz and feldspar interleaved.
- 3Pick out the mineralsComposition: Leucocratic granitic rock of alkali feldspar and quartz. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
- 4Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 5Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, pink, tan.
Often confused with
Graphic Granite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside graphic granite
Minerals reported to co-occur with graphic granite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary, Decorative
- Host rock
- granite pegmatites
- Texture
- Graphic texture: quartz in alkali feldspar forming a repeating pattern like cuneiform writing
- Grain size
- Large single crystals of quartz and feldspar interleaved
- Composition
- Leucocratic granitic rock of alkali feldspar and quartz
Where rockhounds find graphic granite
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- USA
- Brazil
- Madagascar
- Russia
- Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: granite pegmatites. If you start seeing quartz, orthoclase, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Colorado. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify graphic granite?+
Where is graphic granite found?+
Can I find graphic granite in the United States?+
What rocks look like graphic granite?+
What minerals are found with graphic granite?+
What kind of rock does graphic granite form in?+
What is graphic granite used for?+
Find graphic granite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
