Granite

Granite is a recessive pattern morph originating from Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons (M. s. harrisoni). Unlike color mutations (Albino, Axanthic, Hypo, Caramel), Granite does not alter which pigments are present – it disrupts the spatial organization of pattern elements. The regular banding of wild-type harrisoni is broken into individually pigmented scale clusters, producing the characteristic granular or "granite" texture.

Granite is one of the most phenotypically variable morphs in the Morelia spilota complex. Two pure IJ Granites from different lineages can look entirely different – same mutation, different genetic backgrounds. Fragment density, ground color (warm brown to cool grey), and overall contrast vary considerably between individuals. Hatchlings are typically high-contrast with coppery highlights, lightening with maturity.

All Granites trace back to Piet Nuyten's founding pair of wild-caught harrisoni (Netherlands, ~1994). Without a "pure IJ" label, this animal has a mixed subspecies background.