# Granite > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Aplite. Pegmatite. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Red, pink, gray, white | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Healing<br>- Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Varies | > | **Formations** | Massive mountain ranges | > | **Formula** | varies | > | **Hardness** | Varies | > | **Mineral Class** | Igneous rock | > | **Primary Components** | feldspar, quartz, mica | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description An igneous rock with coarse grain and striking patterns used for construction and decoration. It bestows strength, physical health, and balance of emotions and thoughts. ### Physical Description An intrusive igneous rock composed from a variety of coarse crystals which can usually be distinguished with the naked eye. The main components are quartz, orthoclase and plagioclase feldspar, and various micas, with common inclusion of other minerals. Most granites are light in color, with characteristic spots of darker materials. Variants with striking wavy or orbicular patterns are less common, but highly sought after. The material is very hard, strong, heavy, durable, and almost entirely impervious to water—except through the cracks that might appear in the solid structure. --- ## Occurrence Granite is a very common rock, found in massive slabs and in formations measuring even hundreds of square kilometers, known as batholiths. It frequently occurs on the bottom of the oceans and in the mountain ranges as rocky outcrops. ### Extraction & Preparation The most convenient method of procuring granite is quarrying it from exposed mountain sides. Note that granite hardens with age in a process called "case hardening." Freshly quarried granite is softer and easier to work with than one weathered by the elements. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties The stone is relatively easy to cut into blocks for construction, but it requires special tools and skills to be sculpted with any finesse. It is, however, markedly cheaper than marble or bronze, and as such, used for large-scale monuments, memorials, and sculptures. Granite accepts a brilliant, near vitreous polish, making it particularly suited for important, ceremonial, and representative buildings and monuments. ### Industrial Properties Granite is a construction staple, used to make monuments, gravestones, counter tops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, stair treads, and building veneer. ### Magical Properties In magical practice, granite brings balance and stability. The foundations of magical towers and universities are commonly made from this material, as it is resistant to the elements, time, and arcane energies. It is also dense enough to muffle sounds, making it a useful tool of secrecy during occult meetings and esoteric rituals. For similar reasons, it is often used on graveyards and grand necropoleis, where it provides long-lasting support and protection, as well as silence and isolation. It is a common stone of personal protection. Amulets of carved granite bestow strength and physical health upon their wearer and are particularly suited for children, people employed in hazardous occupations, and those prone to accidents. Granite also heightens mental determination—sometimes to the point of stubbornness—and gives the motivation necessary to bring about abundance and success in financial endeavors. As a stone of deepest oceans and highest mountains, granite brings balance between emotions and practicality. It helps to distinguish between ideas, feelings, and objective facts, allowing its user to see the bigger picture and make good decisions. It lays bare the opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses of any plans.