Comparison · Igneous Rocks vs Metamorphic Rocks
Granite vs Quartzite
Granite and Quartzite are easy to confuse. 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 Quartzite
- Both sit near Mohs 6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Granite is opaque, Quartzite is Opaque.
- They overlap in pink, gray, and white, but Granite also comes in black and Quartzite also comes in red and yellow.
Granite vs Quartzite properties
| Property | Granite | Quartzite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Igneous Rocks | Metamorphic Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 | 7 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous to sugary/granular |
| Streak | Variable; test individual minerals | — |
| Transparency | opaque | Opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.6–2.7 |
| Crystal system | varies | — |
| Common colors | Pink, Gray, White, Black | White, Gray, Pink, Reddish, Yellow |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$50+ | $1–$75+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Granite and Quartzite trade in a similar range, around $10.
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 Quartzite
Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock formed by the recrystallization of quartz sandstone under heat and pressure, fusing individual quartz grains into an interlocking mosaic so tightly bonded that fractures cut through the grains themselves rather than around them. This distinguishes true metamorphic quartzite from sedimentary orthoquartzite, a well-cemented sandstone that can look superficially similar. Its exceptional hardness and resistance to weathering make it a common ridge-forming rock in many mountain ranges.
Granite vs Quartzite FAQ
Is Granite the same as Quartzite?
No. Granite is a igneous rock while Quartzite is a metamorphic rock. 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 Quartzite?
Both sit near Mohs 6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Granite is opaque, Quartzite is Opaque. They overlap in pink, gray, and white, but Granite also comes in black and Quartzite also comes in red and yellow.
Which is harder, Granite or Quartzite?
Quartzite is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 6.5 for Granite.
Which is more valuable, Granite or Quartzite?
Typical specimens of Granite and Quartzite trade in a similar range, around $10.
