metamorphic
Unakite
Epidotized Granite
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs), Color: Mottled green, pink, and gray; Lustre: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic/Trigonal mix; Cleavage: None/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.85-3.20
- Hardness
- 6-7 (Mohs), Color: Mottled green, pink, and gray
- Color
- Mottled green, pink, and gray
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (Mohs), Color: Mottled green, pink, and gray; Lustre: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic/Trigonal mix; Cleavage: None/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.85-3.20
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydrothermal metamorphism of granite, where plagioclase feldspar is replaced by green epidote. Often found in Proterozoic complexes.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in lapidary work for beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings. Also used as a dimension stone in architectural surfacing.
Geological facts
Named after the Unaka Range in North Carolina, USA, where it was first discovered. It is often considered a semiprecious stone and is the state rock of Virginia.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive salmon-pink orthoclase and pistachio-green epidote patches. Commonly found in river beds and cobble beaches in the Blue Ridge Mountains and around the Great Lakes.
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