Granules based on aluminium oxide having the characteristics: Average grain diameter: 5.0 to 150 &mgr;m Tamped density: 300 to 1200 g/l The granules are produced by dispersing aluminium oxide in water, performing spray drying, optionally heat treatment and/or silanization. In silanized form, the granules have the following characteristics: Average grain diameter: 5 to 160 &mgr;m Tamped density: 300 to 1200 g/l Carbon content: 0.3 to 12.0 wt. % The granules are used inter alia as catalyst supports, in cosmetics, in toner powders, in paints and lacquers, as abrasives and polishing agents and as a raw material in the production of glass and ceramics.