metamorphic

Polished unakite

Unakite: epidote, pink feldspar (orthoclase), and quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness about 6–7; mottled green and salmon-orange, with a vitreous to slightly waxy polish. It is a coarse-grained aggregate rather than a single crystal, so crystal structure and cleavage vary by mineral constituent.

Identified October 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when granite underwent hydrothermal alteration, converting some minerals to epidote while retaining feldspar and quartz. The age depends on the source rock; classic unakite comes from Precambrian rocks of the Appalachian region.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, decorative stone, and inexpensive jewelry.

Geological facts

Named for the Unaka Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, where it was first described.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its distinctive mottled green epidote and salmon-pink feldspar, commonly with quartz; it is often sold as a tumbled or polished stone. Known from the Appalachians and other altered granitic terrains.