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cubiccommonRock (altered granite); constituent minerals are silicates
Unakite
Rock (composed of Epidote, Orthoclase, Quartz)
A distinctive metamorphic rock characterized by its mottled appearance of pistachio green epidote, pink to red orthoclase feldspar, and often colorless to grey quartz. The image displays both rough and polished (cabochon) forms.
Unakite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
6.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
WhiteCleavage
Poor to absent (due to mixed mineral components)Fracture
Uneven to conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.8Colors
green, pink, red, grey, whiteTransparency
Translucent to opaqueType Locality
Unaka Mountains, North Carolina, USAMineral Group
Rock (altered granite); constituent minerals are silicatesUses
jewelry, ornamental stone, carvingAssociated Minerals
epidote, orthoclase, quartzRarity
commonGeological Context
Unakite is an altered granite, formed when granitic rocks undergo metamorphism, leading to the albitization of plagioclase feldspar into epidote. It is typically found in regional metamorphic terrains.
