metamorphic

Unakite pebble (probable)

Unakite: epidote + pink potassium feldspar + quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6–7 Mohs; mottled salmon-pink and pistachio-green colors, granular texture, and vitreous to dull luster. The rounded form appears naturally worn or lightly tumbled; individual crystals are not clearly visible.

Identified September 4, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore Unakite pebble (probable) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Unakite forms when granite undergoes hydrothermal alteration, replacing some feldspar with epidote while quartz remains. It is commonly associated with Paleozoic metamorphic terrains, including the Unaka Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, USA.

Uses & applications

Used as ornamental stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and polished decorative pieces; generally unsuitable for major construction because it is typically collected in small masses.

Geological facts

Its distinctive pink-and-green pattern results from contrasting feldspar and epidote. Color and pattern vary widely, and similar-looking epidote-rich altered granites may be sold under the same trade name.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by the salmon-pink/green mottling, granular texture, and lack of banding or glassy transparency; a steel file should barely scratch it. Common sources include the southeastern United States, South Africa, Brazil, and China.