Unakite

Unakite is an altered granite rock composed of three minerals: pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and colorless to smoky quartz. Classified as a metamorphic rock rather than a single mineral species, it shows a mottled pistachio-green and salmon-pink pattern that makes each cabochon distinct. Hobbyists and lapidaries also call it epidotized granite or unakite jasper, though it contains no true jasper.

Unakite Origin and Key Properties

The rock takes its name from the Unaka Range in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the North Carolina–Tennessee border, where geologists first documented it in 1874. Commercial deposits are mined today in Virginia (along the James River), South Africa, Brazil, Sierra Leone, China, and Zimbabwe. Glacial action also scattered unakite pebbles across the Great Lakes region, particularly the Lake Superior shoreline, where rockhounds still collect tumbled pieces.

Unakite registers 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, reflecting its quartz and feldspar content. It is opaque, with a specific gravity of 2.85 to 3.20 and a vitreous to greasy luster on polished surfaces. The green component is epidote (Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)), which supplies the iron responsible for the olive to pistachio color. The pink comes from potassium feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈), and the clear or gray interstitial grains are quartz (SiO₂). Color ratios vary from mostly green with pink flecks to roughly balanced mosaics.

Unakite is almost always sold untreated. Its density and low porosity mean dyeing and stabilization are unnecessary, and heat treatment does not improve the color. Buyers should be wary of composite "unakite" beads made from dyed resin or reconstituted stone powder — genuine unakite feels cool and heavy and shows irregular, natural mineral boundaries rather than uniform speckling.

Unakite in Sterling Silver Jewelry

Because unakite is opaque, it is nearly always cut as a cabochon, though faceted unakite and raw tumbled nuggets do appear in bohemian designs. The rock polishes to a soft sheen rather than a mirror finish, and cutters orient slabs to maximize pink-green contrast. Oval and round cabochons dominate ring and pendant production, while bead strands for necklaces and bracelets use 4mm to 14mm rounds.

Sterling silver (.925) works well with unakite because the cool white metal sharpens both the salmon and green tones without competing with them. Yellow gold tends to flatten the pink; silver keeps the contrast crisp. At SilverRush Style, most unakite jewelry falls between $25 and $90, with pendants and rings at the lower end and multi-stone necklaces or designer cuffs reaching higher. Browse our full gemstone jewelry catalog for coordinating pieces.

Care and Cleaning

Clean unakite with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steamers, since the mineral boundaries between epidote, feldspar, and quartz can fracture under vibration. Keep the stone away from bleach, acetone, and prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade the epidote over years. Store pieces separately in a soft pouch to protect the sterling silver from scratches and tarnish.

Frequently Asked Questions