High-temperature metamorphic rock formed at the base of the continental crust. Lacks hydrous minerals like mica. Texture: Granoblastic. Rock type: Metamorphic High-grade. Grain size: Medium to coarse. Parent rock: Various. Minerals present: Feldspar, Pyroxene, Garnet, Quartz. Formation: Forms at extremely high temperatures 700°C in the lower continental crust where water is driven off. Common geological settings: Precambrian shield areas; India, Sri Lanka, Antarctica, Greenland; represents lower crustal rocks. Common look-alikes and related entries: Gneiss, Charnockite, Eclogite.
Previous: Granodiorite — Coarse-grained intrusive rock between granite and diorite. More plagioclase than alkali feldspar. Very common in continental crust.
Next: Greenschist — Green-colored metamorphic rock characteristic of the greenschist facies. Color from chlorite, epidote, and actinolite.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:39:10.172713+00:00
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Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
High-temperature metamorphic rock formed at the base of the continental crust. Lacks hydrous minerals like mica.
How can you identify Granulite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Metamorphic High-grade; texture: Granoblastic; grain size: Medium to coarse; common minerals: Feldspar, Pyroxene, Garnet, Quartz. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Granulite form?
Forms at extremely high temperatures 700°C in the lower continental crust where water is driven off.
Where is Granulite commonly found?
Precambrian shield areas; India, Sri Lanka, Antarctica, Greenland; represents lower crustal rocks.
What is Granulite commonly confused with?
Granulite may be confused with Gneiss, Charnockite, Eclogite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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