Unakite
Unakite (altered granite composed of pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and colorless quartz) · Decorative Stone / Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Aggregate
Crystal System
Monoclinic (Orthoclase), Monoclinic (Epidote), Trigonal (Quartz); typically found as massive, granular, or tumbled aggregate rock rather than distinct single crystals
Mineral Group
Silicates (specifically Tectosilicates and Sorosilicates)
Chemical Formula
KAlSi3O8 (Orthoclase) + Ca2(Al, Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH) (Epidote) + SiO2 (Quartz)
Formation Process
Metamorphic or Hydrothermal alteration process (metasomatism) where hydrothermal solutions alter plagioclase feldspar in granite into epidote, resulting in the distinctive pink and green rock.
About This Crystal
A tumbled or polished stone featuring a mottled, mosaic-like appearance with distinct patches of salmon-pink orthoclase feldspar interspersed with mossy olive-green epidote and clear to milky quartz. Opaque with a smooth, glossy polished surface luster.
Physical Characteristics
Colors include salmon pink, pistachio to dark olive green, and white/clear. White streak, uneven to conchoidal fracture, distinct cleavage from the feldspar component. Specific gravity ranges from 2.8 to 3.5. Tenacity is brittle. Non-magnetic and generally non-fluorescent.
Optical Properties
Biaxial optical properties due to the mixed mineral components. Displays no major optical phenomena like chatoyancy or asterism, but exhibits varied refractive indices corresponding to its constituent minerals (approx. 1.54 to 1.77).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Originally discovered in the Unaka Mountains of North Carolina, USA; also found globally in South Africa, Brazil, China, and Switzerland. Forms in granitic rocks altered by hydrothermal metamorphism.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, making it durable enough for general jewelry use and tumbling. Moderate toughness, but vulnerable to sharp impacts along cleavage planes.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to strong acids. Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Common and widely accessible. Inexpensive as a tumbling stone or decorative carving material, with prices generally very affordable depending on size and polish quality.
Special Characteristics
Notable for its striking natural bi-color contrast of pink and green resulting from hydrothermal alteration of granite rather than a single mineral crystal.
Lore & History
Often regarded in crystal healing traditions as a stone of vision, balancing emotional emotions, and spiritual grounding. Associated with the heart chakra. Named after its type locality in the Unaka Mountains, though it holds no major ancient historical or archaeological significance.