In this post, we will be discussing its uses and benefits. Let’s get started.
Granite Meaning
Granite is a common intrusive igneous rock that consists of orthoclase feldspar and quartz, with the remaining minerals consisting of mica, muscovite, various amphiboles, and others in small quantities.
Formed deep within the earth through the crystalization of silica-rich magma, it’s one of the most abundant igneous intrusions in the continental crust. It can occur as batholiths, dykes, and other rock formations.
Why is it called granite?
Granite came from the Italian granito, “grained”, which also has its roots in the Latin word granum, or “grain”. The rock got its name from its grain-like structure visible to the naked eye, despite being crystalline in nature. Moreover, the coarse-grained structure of granite is responsible for its streaks and splotches, which further add to its distinct appearance.
Uses of Granite Rock
Throughout the course of human history, granite has played a vital role in various cultures and civilizations. Because of its durability and compactness, it has been widely used as a building material in many places around the world.
For instance, granite has been used as far back as the Ancient Egyptians. The Pyramid of Menkaure, for example, which is the smallest of the three main pyramids of Giza, is both made from limestone and Aswan granite.
Even the Great Pyramid of Giza itself has a large sarcophagus made of the same material. Aswan granites are reddish in color, and this shows in the aforementioned structures of Ancient Egypt. Pyramids and sarcophagi aren’t the only structures that were made out of granite, but also columns, walls, and floors.
One particular structure made from granite is the pyramidion that was once on the Black Pyramid. Pyramidia are capstones, made from materials like granite and coated in gold.
They are usually inscribed with religious symbols and are placed on pyramids or obelisks. As you probably already know, pyramids are believed to be the resting place of pharaohs, while obelisks have a religious significance, often symbolizing Ra, the sun deity. Granites are among the primary materials used for obelisks, too.
Even in Asia, granite had been used to build temples. One excellent example of this is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, made entirely out of granite. The tower in this complex was once regarded as the tallest in the world, and similar to Ancient Egypt, it was dedicated to a deity. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is among the greatest gods in Hinduism.
Granite’s use as a building material for sacred sites didn’t stop there. Even as far as South Korea, a Buddhist grotto made out of granite was completed in 774 AD. The Buddha statue is also made from granite.
Those are just some of the majestic structures built by humans from granite boulders. As you probably have noticed, many of them were religious in nature.
Their usage wasn’t only limited to ancient Egyptians, Hindus, and Buddhists. Other great civilizations of ancient times also use and revere granite, including the Aboriginal people and the Mayans.
Even in the modern era, granite has still been widely used. In Scotland, for example, Aberdeen has been called the “Granite City” because a lot of structures were made from granite. A number of well-known monuments and churches were also made from granite, which just says how deeply ingrained its usage is in human civilization, no matter where we are in the world.
What granite means in spirituality?
Granite is revered by the ancients for a lot of reasons.
Certainly, one of the reasons granite was used for building many of the sacred structures in the ancient past was because of its durability. A pyramidion, for instance, was carefully crafted from a granite boulder. One could only imagine the days and effort it took to bring it to the sacred site.
But the question remains, why need to go through all these troubles?
We don’t know for sure. However, in an era when most of the structures were made from mud, clay, and straw, the ancients want something that they know would stand the test of time. Thus, despite having to face untold difficulties, they transported these large rocks from the mines to a special site believed to have received the benediction of the higher beings.
The ancients believe that rocks and minerals have supernatural abilities. It’s no wonder why, as they worshipped nature, from the mountains to the rivers. The earth and all within it is no exception.
Granite, a very hard rock that came from deep within the earth, has natural electromagnetic currents, which isn’t a surprise since it’s also considered to be a little radioactive. These types of rocks are referred to as geomagnetic and are believed to be a source of healing energies.
Crystal healers believe that perhaps one of the reasons the ancients mined granite from afar and put them in special sites that are said to be located along the Earth’s ley lines is to magnify their powers even further.
Another reason is that there is something about this particular mineral that strikes a deep sense of pondering and melancholy. Thus, it’s no surprise then that it’s widely used in temples, monuments, and even in final resting places. It also saw usage in megalithic portals, which are believed to connect the physical and higher realms.
Granite is also believed to induce a state of mental and spiritual calm, which is also why it’s a great stone to use for grounding. Fittingly, granite is partly quartz, which stores and transmits energy.
A very hard mineral, granite is associated with the earth element. Earth is associated with stability, firmness, and perseverance. The Earth element is known to look for solutions, instead of being blinded by skepticism. Granite is believed to help people overcome cynicism, and see the bigger picture instead of wallowing in defeatism.
Granite may also symbolize one’s transformation starts from within, just like how it journeyed from deep inside the earth to the surface and became the world’s foundation. It represents emotional stability and spiritual firmness, that one should not be swayed by the ever-changing forces of the human realm.
Granite Uses and Benefits
As you know by now, granite has been extensively used throughout history in buildings, monuments, statues, temples, resting places, and more. Others have also been using it as home ornaments. Some have even made it part of their abode or workplace, placing granite walls, countertops, and floors. But did you know you can also wear a piece of granite as jewelry?
Jewelry granites aren’t that common, despite how abundant this igneous rock is in nature. However, some artisans have fashioned granites into cabochons and pendants, as many have noticed that bringing it everywhere they go helps them with their day-to-day life.
Granites are known to balance energy and promote emotional stability, which is why a number of people have chosen to wear pieces of it. And, believe it or not, they make attractive jewelry, too.
Below are some of the benefits you may enjoy with granite:
Crystal Health Disclaimer
While crystals have been used throughout time to heal medical and emotional ailments, the information in this blog is not to be taken as medical advice. Additionally, you should always follow the advice of medical professionals per their diagnoses. Crystal healing should only be seen as supplemental.
Granite Physical Benefits
Granite has long been associated with healing various disorders and ailments. Here are some of them:
Granite Emotional Benefits
Granite doesn’t only heal physical afflictions, but it can also help with emotional and mental issues. Some of them are the following:
Granite Metaphysical Properties
Granite has a long tradition of being used in sacred places, as well as being used in rituals. Suffice it to say, granite has many metaphysical powers, such as:
Granite Meditation and Grounding
Because granite can be easily obtained, you can choose to either wear it or place it as an ornament around your house. Meditating near a large piece of granite rock can also work.
Meditation with granite requires focusing on your center. Start by closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. Then, feel the energy of the granite as it envelops your whole being, grounding your energies while opening your eyes to the world unseen.
Granite Chakras
Granite is an excellent grounding stone, as well as one that can help us prepare to communicate with the higher realms. It resonates greatly with the following chakras:
Types of Granite
Granite doesn’t usually have subtypes. They are, however, generally classified according to their colors.
Even though they occur in a spectrum of colors, their uses and benefits remain the same. Moreover, some rocks being advertised as “granites” such as the black and blue ones, aren’t actually granites.
But then, in terms of spirituality and metaphysical powers, there are some granites that are more notable. Some of them are:
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Pink Aswan Granite
Pink Aswan Granite mainly comes from Egypt. Hailed as the “Stone of the Gods”, by crystal expert Judy Hall, Aswan granite had been used in many important structures in ancient Egypt, including the ones mentioned above. According to Hall, it has the highest paramagnetic resonance among all granites and has powerful healing abilities.
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Gray Granite
Meanwhile, Gray Granite promotes stability and balance.
Granite Crystal Combinations
Granite can be used with other stones, crystals, and minerals to enhance its powers. Here are some of them:
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Quartz is a highly versatile mineral and a powerful crystal. Depending on the variety of the quartz, it may have different benefits to the user. One of its general uses is to facilitate spiritual development and connect with the spiritual realms.
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Marble, like granite, is amongst the common rocks used all over the world. It’s said to promote mental clarity and stability.
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Mohawkite helps bring emotional balance and joy. It can also help one achieve inner peace.
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Mica helps well-being in all aspects, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. It helps bring focus and protection as well.
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Gabbro promotes focus and patience. It’s also said to be excellent to have during meditation.
Charging and Cleansing
Because granite is quite hard, it’s safe to be cleansed and charged using various methods. Still, be careful of using harsh or abrasive materials when cleaning its surface as it can still damage the granite.
Here are some of our recommended methods:
Conclusion
Despite being thought of as a common rock, granite has proved to be an indispensable material for human civilization and even spirituality.
At first glance, granite also doesn’t seem to be much, however, the more you work and spend time on it, the more you feel its power. This is evident in how the ancients kept on using this mineral for many of their most important structures, some of which are even dedicated to a higher being.
Granite is indeed a powerful stone. It even becomes more powerful when combined with other crystals. Keep your granite close to help you become more grounded, stable, and focused.