Comparison · Igneous Rocks
Granite vs Larvikite
Granite and Larvikite are easy to confuse because both are igneous rocks. Both sit near Mohs 6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Granite and Larvikite
- Both sit near Mohs 6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Granite leaves a variable; test individual minerals streak on unglazed porcelain, Larvikite leaves white to light gray.
- They overlap in gray, white, and black, but Granite also comes in pink and Larvikite also comes in blue.
Granite vs Larvikite properties
| Property | Granite | Larvikite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Igneous Rocks | Igneous Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 | 6 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | Variable; test individual minerals | White to light gray |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.75 |
| Crystal system | varies | varies |
| Common colors | Pink, Gray, White, Black | Dark gray, Blue gray, Black, Silver blue, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$50+ | $5–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Larvikite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $10 for Granite, and premium Larvikite can reach $300 or more.
About Granite
Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It's one of the most common rocks in Earth's continental crust.
About Larvikite
Larvikite is a feldspar-rich igneous rock famous for blue-silver flashes from feldspar crystals. It is often sold as decorative stone and can be confused with labradorite-bearing rocks.
Granite vs Larvikite FAQ
Is Granite the same as Larvikite?
No. Both are igneous rocks, but they are distinct rock types with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Granite from Larvikite?
Both sit near Mohs 6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Granite leaves a variable; test individual minerals streak on unglazed porcelain, Larvikite leaves white to light gray. They overlap in gray, white, and black, but Granite also comes in pink and Larvikite also comes in blue.
Which is harder, Granite or Larvikite?
Granite is harder: Mohs 6.5 against Mohs 6 for Larvikite.
Which is more valuable, Granite or Larvikite?
Larvikite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $10 for Granite, and premium Larvikite can reach $300 or more.
