igneous
Polished unakite pebble (likely)
Unakite: epidote, pink potassium feldspar, and quartz; composition varies
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque, smooth and polished, with muted green-gray and pink-red patches. Typical minerals have Mohs hardness about 6–7; the image does not reveal crystal structure or cleavage.
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Physical properties
Opaque, smooth and polished, with muted green-gray and pink-red patches. Typical minerals have Mohs hardness about 6–7; the image does not reveal crystal structure or cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Unakite forms when granite is altered by hydrothermal fluids, converting some feldspar to epidote; its age depends on the source rock. The rounded shape likely results from natural water wear before polishing.
Uses & applications
Used for ornamental stones, beads, cabochons, and lapidary collecting; not typically a major construction material.
Geological facts
The distinctive green-and-pink mottling reflects epidote mixed with feldspar and quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opaque, mottled green and salmon-pink pattern and relatively hard, granular texture. Unakite is notably associated with the Unaka Mountains of the southeastern United States.
