Unakite

The Earthy Gemstone of Balance & Creativity

Unakite—a mottled blend of green epidote, pink orthoclase feldspar, and clear quartz—is a strikingly beautiful metamorphic rock cherished for its emotional healing, grounding energy, and creative inspiration. In this expert guide, we'll explore its origins, cultural significance, market value, and styling tips, all backed by credible sources and enriching industry insights.

Origins of Unakite

Unakite was first identified in 1874 in the Unaka Range of North Carolina–Tennessee, and its name reflects this origin. It also occurs in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, New Jersey, and geologically distant regions like Brazil, China, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Finland.

Geologically, Unakite is formed when granitoid bedrock undergoes hydrothermal alteration—plagioclase feldspar is replaced by green epidote, while orthoclase and quartz remain intact—creating its unique pink–green composition. This metamorphic process yields masses, not crystalline structures.

Formation Process of Unakite

Unakite's distinctive look emerges from hydrothermal fluids interacting with granite, converting plagioclase feldspar into epidote, while retaining orthoclase feldspar (pink) and quartz (clear to milky) . The result is an appealingly mottled composition that reflects both geological complexity and aesthetic harmony.

Cultural Significance and Meaning of Unakite

In metaphysical practices, Unakite is valued for emotional healing and spiritual balance:

• Known as the “stone of vision,” it supports heart and third-eye chakras, fostering emotional clarity and intuition.

• Often used to release past emotional wounds, encourage self-love, and ground creative energy.

• It's also linked to fertility, prenatal wellness, and physical recovery—from illness, hair/skin growth to weight and reproductive health.

These holistic attributes position Unakite as both a decorative gem and therapeutic tool.

Market Value and Rarity

Unakite is generally plentiful, affordable, and accessible in various forms—tumbled stones, beads, cabochons, and carvings. Sizes and quality affect price:

• Small tumbled stones/beads: around $5–$18 per pound (bulk sale).

• Jewelry-grade cabochons/beads: commonly $5–$30 per piece, depending on size and pattern .

• Carvings/spheres: prices rise with craftsmanship and size.

While Unakite is not rare, high-contrast, richly colored specimens from prime U.S. localities tend to command elevated prices due to consumer preference.

Unakite Properties

External

Creates a calming presence

Supports recovery from stress

Enhances nurturing relationships

Inner

Emotional healing

Patience & self-love

Encourages spiritual growth

Zodiac

Element

Chakras

Planet

Mohs Hardness

6-7

Click to copy the Unakite properties

Jewelry Uses and Fashion Tips

With a Mohs hardness of 6–7, Unakite is both workable and durable for everyday wear. Ideal uses include:

• Cabochon rings & pendants: the mosaic look enhances boho-chic and earthy styles.
• Beaded bracelets & necklaces: great for stackable, casual wear.
• Carvings: decorative eggs, spheres, and figurines add warmth to home interiors.
• Pair jewelry with earth tones like beige, olive, and cream to harmonize with natural aesthetics.
• Set Unakite in sterling silver for a modern contrast to its warm tones.

• Use in men's minimalist designs—a single cabochon on matte metal adds subtle sophistication.

Pairing Unakite with Other Gemstones and Materials

• Clear Quartz: Amplifies Unakite's healing and grounding energies; visually clean contrast

• Rose Quartz:  Softens emotional energy with heart-centered light pink, enhancing healing synergy.

• Black Obsidian: Adds protection and emotional release; bold monochrome contrast with rugged texture.

• Red Jasper: Boosts grounding and motivation; red echoes Unakite's pink feldspar.

• Sterling Silver: Cool metallic tone balances warm stone, ideal for gender-neutral pieces.

Color Palette for Artistic and Fashion Inspiration

Tourmaline's vast color range makes it an excellent source of artistic and design inspiration. Here are five shades with HEX codes:

• #6A7D36Epidote Green

• #D18F8CSalmon Pink

• #EDE9E3Quartz White

• #8C7B6BEarthy Taupe

• #4A3F38Charcoal Brown

Unakite Many Faces

Unakite balances heart-centered compassion with practical grounding energy. If you could program one intention into your Unakite piece (e.g., release past trauma, boost creativity, or support fertility), what would it be—and why?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!