Soulie, RomainMerillou, StephaneTerraz, OlivierGhazanfarpour, Djamchid2015-02-212015-02-2120071467-8659https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8659.2007.00949.xLight-matter interactions is one of the most important factors of realistic rendering. While a lot of work has already been performed in the light transport and simulation area, we believe that virtual materials have not yet been studied enough to achieve a high degree of realism. Some good models exist in order to take into account homogeneous materials. However, there are only a few studies of heterogeneous granular materials. In this paper, we propose a method based on mimicking natural phenomena to take into account these materials. Our study focuses on granite, which can be considered as a heterogeneous agglomerate of individually homogeneous grains. First we present a nucleation/growth process inspired technique giving a full 3D model of granite. Then, we use a rendering process taking into account each material component and subsurface scattering in a simple way.10.1111/j.1467-8659.2007.00949.x66-79