metamorphic
Polished unakite
Unakite: epidote, pink feldspar (commonly orthoclase), and quartz; a granitic rock altered by epidotization
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6–7 Mohs; mottled orange-pink and olive green, with a polished vitreous-to-waxy luster. It is a coarse-grained aggregate, not a single crystal, so cleavage varies by constituent mineral.
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Physical properties
Hardness about 6–7 Mohs; mottled orange-pink and olive green, with a polished vitreous-to-waxy luster. It is a coarse-grained aggregate, not a single crystal, so cleavage varies by constituent mineral.
Formation & geological history
Forms when fluids alter granitic rock, converting some minerals to green epidote while feldspar and quartz remain. Its age depends on the source granite; classic unakite comes from the Appalachian region.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative stone; generally unsuitable for heavy-duty construction.
Geological facts
Named after the Unaka Mountains of North Carolina, where it was first described.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive mottled salmon-pink/orange feldspar and green epidote pattern; it is commonly collected in the Appalachians and sold as polished pieces. The photograph is consistent with unakite, though image-only identification is not definitive.
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