Unakite

Rock

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: September 2023
Unakite Polished Unakite Rough Unakite Jewelry

Unakite is a type of granitic rock that features mottled patterns of green epidote, white to gray quartz, and pink feldspar, occasionally with black veining. This compact, hard gem is most often seen as cabochon gems, carvings and beads or sold as tumbled rough.

General Information

Common Name
Unakite
Species
Rock
Transparency
Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
1.729-1.768 Tolerance: (1.52-1.54 in the peach feldspar areas)
Optic Character
NA
Optic Sign
NA
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
6-7
Specific Gravity
2.850-3.200 Typical:3.000
Toughness
Fair
Inclusions
Unakite has a mottled green and pink appearance with black, white or gray veining.
Luster
Vitreous, Greasy
Fracture
Granular, Uneven
Cleavage
None
Chemical Formula
Rock composed of green epidote, pink feldspar and white to gray areas of quartz
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Rock

Unakite Colors

  • Green Unakite
    Green
  • Multi-color Unakite
    Multi-color
  • Orange Unakite
    Orange

Countries of Origin

Unknown; China; United States of America; Brazil; South Africa; Australia; Indonesia

Care

Normal care for untreated Unakite. Avoid hot water, household chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners for impregnated stones.