metamorphic
Unakite
Unakite (Epidotized Granite)
Hardness (Mohs scale): 6 to 7; Color: Mottled green (epidote) and pink (orthoclase feldspar) with gray quartz; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic and Triclinic components; Cleavage: Generally none/irregular fracture.
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness (Mohs scale): 6 to 7; Color: Mottled green (epidote) and pink (orthoclase feldspar) with gray quartz; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic and Triclinic components; Cleavage: Generally none/irregular fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydrothermal metamorphism of granite, where plagioclase feldspar is replaced by epidote. It belongs to the Proterozoic era in many locations.
Uses & applications
Mainly used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and architectural stone for walls or countertops.
Geological facts
Named after the Unaka Range of North Carolina, USA, where it was first discovered. It is often used as a stone of grounding and vision in metaphysical circles.
Field identification & locations
Look for a distinctive 'pistachio green' color paired with pink to salmon-colored patches. It is commonly found in riverbeds as pebbles or in metamorphic outcrops in the Appalachian mountains of the USA and in South Africa.
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