A catalyst and its preparation and use are disclosed. The catalyst is a silicalite having germanium (Ge) included within the framework of the silicalite prepared in a particular manner. The catalyst may be used in a method of converting hydrocarbons wherein a hydrocarbon feed is contacted with the catalyst. The catalyst may be formed by preparing an aqueous reaction mixture of a silica-containing silicalite precursor material and a germanium source. The reactants of the reaction mixture are allowed to react. The reacted reaction mixture is heated under conditions to form crystals of a silicalite having germanium included within the framework of the silicalite. The crystals are then calcined to form the catalyst. In certain embodiments, a noble metal may be deposited upon the germanium-containing silicalite.