Unakite

Physical Properties

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Mottled green, pink, and orange; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic/Trigonal (mixed minerals); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.85-3.20.

Formation & Geological History

Formed through the hydrothermal alteration of granite where plagioclase feldspar is replaced by epidote. It is commonly associated with the Blue Ridge Mountains and dates back to the Proterozoic eon.

Uses & Applications

Widely used for lapidary work, cabochons, carvings, beads, and architectural stones like floor tiles or veneer.

Geological Facts

Named after the Unaka Range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina/Tennessee where it was first discovered. It is the state rock of Virginia.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify by its distinctive pistachio-green and salmon-pink mottled appearance. Commonly found as pebbles in riverbeds and on beaches. Look for the absence of visible mica compared to standard granite.

Identified on: 5/1/2026

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